AN ABSTRACT OF THE THESIS OF
Robert J. Cromwell for the degree of Master of Arts in Applied Anthropology presented on
May 23. 1996. Title: Site ORBE2: An Archaeological Analysis of a Construction
Disturbed Site.
Abstract approved:
Redacted for Privacy
David Brauner
This thesis describes investigations of archaeological materials recovered from Site
ORBE2, an early-twentieth century historic site in Corvallis, OR. The archaeological
materials were found only after construction workers had excavated trenches underneath
the still-standing structure on the site in order to install a new foundation. Over 1500
artifacts were recovered from back-dirt piles which had been left surrounding the structure
from the construction worker's excavations. The analysis of the artifacts contributes to the
field of archaeology in four specific ways: 1) it performs an archaeological analysis on an
early-twentieth century Euro-American site, an era upon which few previous investigations
have been done. 2) it develops a history of the site, 3) it combines the results of the history
and the analysis of the archaeological data from functional and chronological perspectives,
determining possible past life-style information on these residents, and 4) it exhibits the
utility of performing an archaeological analysis on a site where the archaeological materials
were recovered from an urban renewal/construction zone, and has provenience limited to a
lot or site association.
Site ORBE2: An Archaeological Analysis of a Construction Disturbed Site
by
Robert J. Cromwell
A THESIS
submitted to
Oregon State University
in partial fulfillment of
the requirements for the
degree of
Master of Arts
Presented May 23, 1996
Commencement June 1997
Master of Arts thesis of Robert J. Cromwell presented on May
23, 1996
APPROVED
Redacted for Privacy
Maj or Professor, representing Applied Anthropology
Redacted for Privacy
Chair of Dekartment of AnlroØtlogy
Redacted for Privacy
I understand that my thesis will become part of the permanent collection of Oregon State
University libraries. My signature below authorizes release of my thesis to any reader
upon request.
Redacted for Privacy
Robert J. Cromwell. Author
Table of Contents
Page
INTRODUCTION
.1
PHYSICAL AND HISTORIC SETTINGS .................................................. 7
PhysicalSetting ......................................................................... 7
HistoricSetting ......................................................................... 9
Possible Ethnic Affiliation and Setting ............................................. 13
Description and Evolution of the Structure ........................................ 15
ARCHAEOLOGICAL METHODS .......................................................... 23
DESCRIPTION OF THE MATERIAL CULTURE ....................................... 27
PersonalItems ......................................................................... 41
DomesticItems ........................................................................ 80
Architecture ........................................................................... 176
Personal and Domestic Transportation ............................................ 210
Commerce and Industry ............................................................. 215
GroupServices ....................................................................... 217
CONCLUSIONS AND SYNTHESES ..................................................... 221
Conclusions on the Structure .......................................................221
Conclusions on Artifact Disposal and Deposition................................. 225
Conclusions ........................................................................... 233
BIBLIOGRAPHY ............................................................................. 238
List of Figures
Page
Figure
1.
Map of Corvallis showing location of Site ORBE2 ................................ 8
2.
Benton County, Oregon, Plat map of the Avery
3.
Photograph of North view of structure associated with Site ORBE2,
1996 ........................................................................ 16
& Wells Addition to
Corvallis, December 31, 1889 ....................................................... 10
February,
4.
Photograph of West view of structure associated with Site ORBE2 ........... 16
5.
Sanborn Fire Insurance Map of Block 5, Avery & Wells Addition,
6.
Sanborn Fire Insurance Map of Block 5, Avery & Wells Addition,
7.
Corvallis City Planning Map, Block 5, Avery & Wells Addition,
Corvallis, Oregon, 1993 ............................................................ 19
8.
An artist's conception of the structure on Site ORBE2 as it would have
9.
Site Map of Site ORBE2, showing the relationship of the back-dirt piles to
10.
Buckles and buttons recovered from Site ORBE2 ................................ 45
11.
A matched pair of leather boots recovered from Site ORBE2 ................... 52
12.
Remains of a Jacquard woven fabric recovered from Site ORBE2 ............. 84
13.
Representative sample of cylindrically based, clear and amber colored
14.
Representative sample of rectangularly based, clear and amber colored
15.
Depression glass bowl, and white glass bowl recovered from Site ORBE2.128
16.
Examples of clear tumbler fragments(L). and clear, handled glass
17.
Decal decorated plate (top) and bowl recovered from Site ORBE2........... 157
18.
Hand wrought hammer head, and iron nut recovered from Site
19.
A full-sized Mrs. Pott's Sad Iron (top), shown together with a toy sad
Corvallis, Oregon, April, 1912 ..................................................... 17
Corvallis, Oregon,
July, 1927 ..................................................... 18
appeared in Ca. 1910-1921 .......................................................... 22
the structure ........................................................................... 26
bottles................................................................................. 95
bottles ................................................................................... 95
fragments recovered from the site ................................................ 128
ORBE2 ............................................................................... 172
iron, both recovered from Site ORBE2.......................................... 172
List of Figures, Continued
Figure
20.
A representative sample of a bolt and nails recovered from the site .......... 191
21.
Incandescent light bulb fragments recovered from the site..................... 199
22.
Various electrical insulators recovered from the site ............................ 205
23.
A representative sample of some of the more interesting "Unknown"
24.
Numbers of Window Glass Fragments Within Roenke's Date Range of
25.
Numbers of Artifacts in Known Date Ranges of Manufacture ................228
26.
Date Ranges of Manufacture of Whole Bottles Recovered from
27.
Mean Date Ranges of Whole Bottles Recovered from Site ORBE2 .......... 235
category artifacts .................................................................... 220
ManufactureModes ................................................................ 226
SiteORBE2 ......................................................................... 234
Site ORBE2: An Archaeological Investigation of a Construction Disturbed Site
Introduction
This thesis investigates the utility of performing an archaeological analysis on data
salvaged from a historic site without exact site provenience. This analysis contributes to
the body of knowledge in the field of archaeology in four specific ways: 1) it performs an
archaeological analysis on an early-twentieth century Euro-American site, an era upon
which few previous investigations have been done, 2) it develops a history of the site, and
its immediate area (A Street, Corvallis, Oregon), 3) it combines the results of the history
and the analysis of the archaeological data from functional and chronological perspectives,
determining possible past life-style information on these residents, and 4) it exhibits the
utility of performing an archaeological analysis on a site where the data was recovered
from an urban renewallconstruction zone, and has provenience limited to a lot or site
association.
The data used for this analysis are the artifacts recovered from historic site
ORBE2. These artifacts were excavated by foundation contractors from under a stillstanding, early-twentieth century house in Corvallis, Oregon; after which, the artifacts
were recovered by a volunteer crew of anthropology students from back-dirt piles created
by the contractors in the process of their excavations.
This site was discovered by sheer coincidence. The site was approximately 75 feet
from the front door of this researcher's apartment, adjacent to a travel route used on a
daily basis. During the first week of October, 1993, this researcher noticed that
foundation repairs were under way on a circa early-twentieth century, white
house/apartment complex. The contractors were replacing the entire foundation under the
house, and were excavating a trench around the perimeter of the structure. The back-dirt
was being casually carted and thrown into piles surrounding the house on three of its
sides, and it was noted that artifacts were mixed in with the back-dirt. Yet, these artifacts
had already been removed from their provenience by the contractors, and for all realistic
purposes, had probably been so disturbed that they were no longer contextually
interpretable.
Therefore, these artifacts were ignored until the morning of October 6, 1993. The
contractors were excavating a new trench on the South side of the house, and had exposed
some intact, turn-of-the-century bottles. After noting that the contractors had deposited
these bottles in a back-dirt pile and were re-burying them with more excavated back-dirt,
this researcher inquired if it would be possible to recover the bottles for comparative
collections at the local university. After receiving permission from the contractors, the
bottles were taken to the Anthropology Department at Oregon State University.
The bottles and the site were then brought to the attention of Dr. David Brauner,
an Associate Professor of Anthropology at Oregon State University. After hearing that
there were more artifacts within the back-dirt piles surrounding the structure, Dr. Brauner
felt that, ethically, the department should attempt to recover as many of the artifacts as
possible. It was his opinion that the site could yield information about a turn-of-the
century German community, which based upon oral information of local long-time
inhabitants of Corvallis, had been centered around the area of the site. Beyond this, the
analysis of the site and its artifacts could yield interesting, if not useful, results on the
practicality, and utility of analyzing construction disturbed artifacts, which were still in
association with a structure.
This site was discovered through a common situation, where ground-disturbing
construction activities allowed artifacts associated with an old structure to be relatively
easy to recover for those willing to make the effort. Unfortunately, such a situation also
disturbs the artifacts from their original archaeological provenience. Thus, such sites
usually draw bottle and curio collectors, yet few archaeologists. This poses the obvious
question as to the utility of archaeologically salvaging artifacts from this site, and what
knowledge these artifacts can yield about the site, its history, and about the people who
lived there, even when the artifacts are limited to a lot provenience. That is not to say
that this analysis proposes to be the definitive example for salvaging artifacts from all
construction disturbed artifact sites, but more of an example from this particular site.
In order to look at this question of the utility of performing such an analysis, it is
probably wise and necessary to define the archaeological term provenience, and the
related terms: matrix, association, and context. In order to define these terms,
introductory archaeology texts were consulted in an attempt to use the most basic
definitions possible, and as they are the current intellectual foundation of the profession.
Robert J. Sharer and Wendy Ashmore define matrix as, "..the physical medium
that surrounds, holds, and supports the archaeological material." (1993: 125). Both
David Hurst Thomas (1989), and Sharer and Ashmore agree that provenience can be
defined as, "..a three-dimensional location---the horizontal and vertical position on or
within the matrix---at which the archaeologist finds data." (1993: 125). Sharer and
Ashmore go on to state that, "The determination and recording of provenience for all
kinds of archaeological data are necessary for the data to be useful." (ibid.: 126). Thomas
(1989), and Sharer and Ashmore are in agreement, once again, that association, "refers to
two or more archaeological items ..... occurring together, usually within the same matrix."
(ibid.). Brian M. Fagan turns association into a law, stating that, "The Law of
Association is based on the principle that an object is contemporary with the other
objects found in the precise archaeological level in which it is found (1991: 19). The term
archaeological context is defined by Thomas, as, "Artifacts, features, and residues as
found in the archaeological record." (1989: 651). Sharer and Ashmore state, "Context is
the interpretation of the significance of an artifact's deposition in terms of its matrix,
provenience, and association---that is, where it is and how it got there." (1992: 126).
Finally, Fagan puts culture into the definition, stating that, "Archaeological context is the
culturally significant location of a find spot of any object in an archaeological site." (1991:
4
17). This should be differentiated from the systemic context of artifacts, which Thomas
defines as artifacts which, "...are part of the actual behavioral system." (1989: 156).
So, when looking at the artifacts from site ORBE2, it is apparent that the artifacts
were recovered still within their matrix, although the matrix had been excavated, and
moved. This means that the artifacts' original provenience was destroyed. However,
disturbed, horizontal artifact provenience information was retained, as each artifact had
back-dirt pile provenience information recorded as it was recovered. Likewise, the
original artifact associations were destroyed by the excavation procedures of the
contractors, but the disturbed associations were retained by keeping horizontal
provenience of the artifacts in their back-dirt piles (this includes the association of the
artifacts with the house and the lot).
Finally, when looking at the artifacts from site ORBE2, it is important to note
that there are systemic and archaeological contexts involved with them. The original
systemic context of the artifacts ended when their users disposed of them on the site, to
either be built over by the construction of the structure and its additions, or to be slowly
buried by deposition around the outside perimeter of the structure. This placed the
artifacts within an archaeological context, which was probably not disturbed again until
the contractors excavated the artifacts in 1993 without regards for their original
provenience. Yet, by removing these artifacts, the contractors essentially placed them
back into a systemic context, the systemic context of foundation workers in the early
1990s. At last, when the volunteer groups of archaeology students recovered the artifacts
from the back-dirt piles, the artifacts were placed in the systemic context of the
profession of archaeology in the 1990s.
Now that the method of recovery of these artifacts has been defined using
archaeological tenns, it is easy to see that one can easily argue that these artifacts were
not recovered in an ideal archaeological situation. The artifacts were admittedly recovered
without their original archaeological provenience, associations, or contexts; yet it is the
hope of this researcher to show that the artifacts can still be used as archaeological data.
These artifacts were collected still within their original matrix, and in association with the
structure on the lot, and with the lot itself
It is this association with the structure and the lot which give the artifacts any
semblance of being archaeologically analyzed. For, the structure represents an artifact of
the built environment, still within a systemic context, as it has been continually occupied
since the day that it was constructed. This allows one to construct a chronology of the
structure, its occupants, and its owners; as paper records still exist on much of this
historic information. Therefore, functional and temporal analyses of the artifacts
recovered from the site may yield information on the life-styles of the known owners and
occupants of the structure and the lot.
If these analyses do provide information about the past actualities of the site and
its occupants, then this analysis
will
be proven useful, whether or not the recovery
process of the artifacts is seen as archaeologically ideal or not. Archaeology is supposed
to be a sub-discipline of anthropology, which Walter Taylor, in, A
Study ofArchaeology,
defines as, "the projection, written or verbal, of contemporary thought about past
actuality in terms of cultural man and time sequences." (1983: 36). While the use of the
term, "cultural man," may seem dated, the rest of this definition, in a basic form, is
certainly still valid today. In like fashion, Taylor goes on to state that, ideally,
archaeology should proceed, "...from problem, to data, to chronology, to the integration
and synthesis of these data into a context, in this instance a cultural context." (1983: 43).
It is this researcher's intention, therefore, having now laid out the problem, to
proceed to the chronology, the data, and finally to an attempt at a synthesis of all of the
information into a cultural context. In order to synthesize and integrate the data of the
following chapters into viable cultural conclusions, the conclusions are categorized. The
conclusions are separated into a section on the structure and its construction materials,
and a section on the deposition of the artifacts; which is based upon chronological and
functional aspects of the artifacts themselves. Together, these two sections will establish
some cultural contexts about the site, which will display the utility of the analysis of the
site using construction disturbed artifacts.
7
Physical and Historic Settings
Physical Setting
Site ORBE2 is located within the boundaries of Lot 12, Block 5, Avery & Wells
Addition, Corvallis, Benton County, Oregon. The lot measures 100 feet by 50 feet, and
the house on the lot has the address of 703 SW 15th. The site can be located on a 7.5
series USGS Quad Map of Corvallis, at the UTM of Z 1/0 - 4/7/8/4/0/0 E - 4/9/3/3/9/3/5
N, and is situated at an elevation of approximately 235 feet above sea level (see Figure 1).
Corvallis is situated within the West-central portion of the Willamette Valley,
being established on a Woodburn-Willamette association soil type. The WoodburnWillamette association soil type consists of, "deep, moderately well drained soils that
formed in silty alluvium" (Knezevich, 1975: 45). The climate of the Willamette Valley
can be characterized as being relatively mild, with cool, wet winters and warm, dry
summers (Taylor and Bartlett, 1993: 1). Corvallis averages approximately 43" of
precipitation a year, with an annual monthly mean temperature of 52.0 degrees Fahrenheit
(Taylor and Bartlett, 1993: 4 - 5). Natural vegetation of the alluvial bottomlands which
Corvallis is set in is largely composed of prairie and riparian deciduous forest, with
dominating stands of Oregon white oak (Quercus garryana) (Speulda, 1988:
1).
8
7/.
leO
Figure 1 Map of Corvallis showing location of site ORBIE2. Site location is represented
by star in lower right hand corner of map. Map is a full-scale reproduction of a 7.5
minute series USGS Map of the Corvallis Quad.
9
Historic Setting
The town of Corvallis was a fairly early settlement in the mid-Willamette Valley,
having been laid out under the name of Marysville on September 9, 1850, and being
incorporated with its present name on December 20, 1853. The area's first EuroAmerican settlers were J. C. Avery and William F. Dixon. J.C. Avery came overland
from Illinois in the summer of 1845, laying claim to what is now the southern portion of
the town along the confluence of the Mary's River and the Willamette. William F. Dixon
came a year later in 1846, laying claim to what is now the northern portion of the town.
Combined, these early claims formed the nucleus of the present town of Corvallis
(Martin, 1938: 1-5).
Even with its fairly favorable mid-valley position on the confluence of the
Willamette and Marys rivers, Corvallis grew at a relatively slow rate in the late-nineteenth
century. According to Martin (1938: 12), when the 1850 Census was taken, Benton
County had its present northern and eastern boundaries, yet extended South to California,
and West to the Pacific Ocean. The 1 850 census lists only 814 persons in this entire
expanse of land, and Corvallis did not yet exist. By 1861, there were 531 people in
Corvallis itself, and by 1870, this population had roughly doubled to 1220 (Martin, 1938:
13, 15). The population growth of the town seemed to have stabilized somewhat after
this, as by 1900, the population had only increased to 1819 (Bureau of the Census,
1900).
-.
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7
the town of Corvallis, December31, 1889 Site is on
Figure 2 Beuton County, Oregon, Plat Map of the Avery & Wells Addition to
Lot 12, Block 5, between Maple and Ash Streets (which are 15th and 14th Streets today).
11
It was during this period of relatively slow population growth that the town was
growing westward, resulting in the creation of new town additions. On December 31,
1889 the Avery and Wells Addition of Corvallis was created and submitted for record
with the county. The new addition contained 24 blocks, each block having a standard
rectangular block size of 300 x 100 feet, although many of the blocks had significant size
and shape differences (see Figure 2). Each of the standard blocks was further divided into
12 lots, each of which had the dimensions of 100 x 50 feet. This addition was apparently
created on land owned by Punderson Avery, Napoleon B. Avery, and W.A. Wells, and
the use of the streets on the original plat was dedicated, "...to the use of the Public." (Plat
Map of the Avery & Wells Addition, Benton County, OR).
Block 5 was originally owned by W. A. Wells, and he sold this block, as well as
Blocks 2, 4, and 7, to Punderson and Napoleon Avery on April 26, 1890 (Deed Records,
Benton County). The Avery's had apparently purchased these blocks as an investment,
and on August 25, 1892, they sold Blocks 5, 6, 11, and 12 of the Avery and Wells
Addition to H. J. Parent, John H. Parent (her husband), and Essie Hannon (Deed Records,
Benton County). The Parents and Ms. Hannon were probably investors as well, as they
only held on to these four lots until April 11, 1895, when they sold them to Eliza Pamelia
Smith.
The Benton County Assessor's Office has records which indicate that the
structure on the lot was constructed in 1910, and deed records indicate that Eliza Pamelia
Smith sold the lot and the structure on April 5, 1911. The ensuing owners of the lot and
the structure are indicated in Table 1.
12
Table 1. Dates of Ownership of Lot 12, Block 5, Avery & Wells Addition,
Corvallis, OR, 1911-1993
Names of Owners
John and Clara Heeszel (married)
Alice S. and S. F. Williams (married)
Edna A. and M.H. Bauer (married)
Elmer Polic and Edith A. Jackson (married)
Homer and Alice Speer (married)
Carl W. and Edythe B. Schloeman (married)
George R. and Virginia Steenson (married)
B. H. and Mary Ellen Arnold (married)
Ernest H. and Lee Rudisill (married)
Dates of Ownership
April 5, 1911 -April21, 1913
April 21, 1913-April 11, 1925
April 11, 1925 - August 10, 1925
August 10, 1925 - June 11, 1932
June 11, 1932 - March 25, 1938
March 25, 1938 - August 29, 1959
August 29, 1959 - August 9, 1960
August 9, 1960 - July 2, 1964
July 2, 1964 - 1993
It is interesting to note that the structure seems to have been purchased primarily
as a personal residence by the owners of the lot only until 1925. This was the year that
Mrs. Alice S. Williams sold the lot and structure, and she is the last owner to be listed as
living at the address of 703 S 15th for the entire duration of ownership (Corvallis Phone
Directory, 1924). The next owner of the lot, E. P. Jackson, apparently lived at the
address of 300 N 25th St. in 1931, and a Mrs. R. Alexander is listed at the 703 S 15th St.
address during that same year (Corvallis Phone Directory, 1931). This probably indicates
that the structure was used as a tenement by Mr. Jackson from the time that he owned it,
and this is further substantiated by the fact that Mr. Jackson owned three additional lots
in Corvallis in the 1920s and 1930s.
The next owners of the structure, Homer and Alice Speer, apparently did live in
the structure from 1932-1934, as is indicated by the phone directories for those years.
Yet, from November 1934 to November 1935, a Louis Chipman is listed at the address,
and by November, 1937, the address is listed as the "Speer Apartments." The remaining
13
four sets of owners of the lot and structure, from 1938-1993, all have separate addresses
listed as their place of residence in various Corvallis telephone directories. It is apparent,
then, that the structure has continually remained a tenement from November, 1934 to
October, 1993.
Possible Ethnic Affiliation and Setting
An early hypothesis on the site indicated the possibility that it was associated
with a turn-of-the-century German ethnic community within Corvallis. As was stated in
the Introduction, Dr. Brauner believed that A Street was the center of this German
community, and this researcher sought to either confirm or deny this hypothesis. As will
be shown below, the preponderance of information indicates that this site was not
affiliated with this German community.
In general, the only source of information on this ethnic community was from
living oral informants. Three men in their seventies, who had all been born and raised in
Corvallis, were contacted for oral histories, and all had similar memories on this
community. The first, Francis Gerding, is of German descent, and considered his parents
and himself a part of this German community, or "Deutsch Town," as he called it
(Gerding, Oral History, February, 1996). In his memory, the East-West boundaries of
Deutsch Town were 15th Street on the East, continuing down A St. to its end near where
Parker Stadium is today. The North-South boundaries were apparently from Philomath
Blvd. on the South, to the railroad tracks on the North (See Figure 2).
14
This 15th St. Eastern border of Deutsch Town is across the street from Site
ORBE2, and possible German affiliations are probable with the inhabitants of the
structure on the lot. In opposition to this, however, is the fact that the other two oral
infonnants, Mr. Ben Bates, and Mr. Ken Mumford, both remember the Eastern border of
Deutsch Town as being further West than 15th St., although they both agree that it was
based around A St. (Bates, Personal Communication; and Mumford, Personal
Communication).
On first appearance, the record of ownership of the structure and lot seems to
indicate probable German ethnic affiliation also. The Heeszels, Bauers, Speers, and
Schloemans all owned the structure, and four separate sets of owners with Germanic
names seems to indicate a German ethnic affiliation. Yet, the Heeszels only owned the
structure for two years, and the Bauers for only five months. The Speers did apparently
live in the structure for at least two years, but then turned it into an apartment. Finally,
Carl Schloernan always kept the structure as an apartment, and was apparently more
affiliated with fighting Germany while in the U.S. Navy in both WWI and WWH, than of
being a part of the German community in town (Obituary, Corvallis Gazette Times,
1962). All together, the history of ownership does not validate the hypothesis that this
structure and lot were a part of the Corvallis German community.
Finally, the material culture recovered from the site adds further credence to the
hypothesis that this structure was not a part of the German ethnic community in
Corvallis. None of the artifacts recovered from the site were manufactured in Germany,
and only one artifact used German in its labeling (Artifact Number 412). This bottle and
15
its medicinal contents were made in Chicago, and were apparently sold nation-wide. In
short, there is nothing in the artifact assemblage which would indicate that the site was a
part of a German-based etimic community.
Description and Evolution of the Structure
The current structure on the lot cannot be definitively labeled as being any one
architectural style. The structure is essentially a rectangular shaped, two-story house,
with a hipped roof, and a single-story addition on the back. The siding consists of
interlocking clapboards, and the roof is made of painted aluminum. Although the doors
and windows do have linings around them, there are no decorative elements to the linings.
The symmetry of the profile of the structure is counterbalanced by the lack of symmetry
in the placement of the windows and the doors (See Figure 3 and Figure 4). This
description produces an eclectic mix of architectural elements which is nearly impossible
to pin a label to.
Sanborn Fire Insurance maps seem to indicate that the present structure is not in
its original form, and changed significantly between April, 1912, and July, 1927 (See
Figure 5 and Figure 6). The 1912 map shows a roughly "L" profiled structure, with only
about half of the structure being two stories tall, and the remainder being only one story.
By 1927, however, the structure is basically a rectangular profiled, two story building,
with an adjoining one story shed in the back, which only slightly changed by 1993 (See
Figure 6 and Figure 7).
Figure 3. Photograph of North view of structure associated with site ORBE2, February,
1996.
Figure 4. Photograph of West view of structure associated with site ORBE2.
iA
A Street
[2
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Scale: 1 cm = 15.4"
2'
D
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Figure 5. Sanborn Fire Insurance Map of Block 5, Avery & Wells Additio
Oregon, April, 1912. Site ORBE2 is in the upper left hand corner.
18
A Street
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Figure 6. Sanborn Fire Insurance Map of Block 5, Aveiy & Wells Addition, Corvallis,
Oregon, July, 1927. Site ORBE2 is in the upper left hand corner.
Scale: 1 cm = 15.4"
A Street
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Figure 7. Corvallis City Planning Map, Block 5, Avery & Wells Addition, Corvallis,
Oregon, 1993. Site ORBE2 is in the upper left hand corner.
20
Table 2. Benton County Tax Assessment Values for Lot 12, Block 5, Avery & Wells
Addition, 1912-1927
Year
1912
1913
1914
1915
1916
1917
1918
1919
1920
1921
1922
1923
1924
1925
1926
1927
Value of Land
$850
$850
$875
$875
$400
$400
$400
$400
$550
$225
$550
$300
$300
$250
$300
$300
Value of Improvements
$800
$800
$800
$800
$400
$400
$400
$400
$400
$1000
$1150
$800
$1000
$1000
$1000
$800
Total Value
$1650
$1650
$1675
$1675
$800
$800
$800
$800
$950
$1450
$3000
$1300
$2800
$1250
$1300
$2050
In order to establish the probable date(s) of the construction of the additions to
the structure, the Benton County tax assessment records for the lot were analyzed
between the years 19 12-1927. A sudden increase in the value of the improvements to the
lot was anticipated, and such an increase does occur between 1920-192 1 (See Table 2).
This sudden increase of $600 in assessed value of the improvements to the lot is further
substantiated as being the probable date of the construction of the addition, by the fact
that the assessed value of the improvements never drops below $800 again.
There are two unexplainable observed trends in the assessed values for this lot
during this time period, including the total value of the property listed between the years
1921-1924, and the drop in land and improvements values between the years 1915-1916.
21
As for the apparently inaccurate total value listings from 192 1-1924, it is not known why
these values fluctuate so radically during these years, or why the value of the land and the
value of the improvements do not add up to the listed total value of the property. As for
the observed drop in values of the property between 1915-19 16, there was no significant
economic depression on a national scale between these two years, and the local daily
newspaper yielded no information on a local depression either. True, there were articles
with titles such as, "Prices of Living Going Higher--Prices of Fabrics of all Kinds Have
Soared Upwards," (Daily Gazette Times, Jan. 31, 1916), and "War Raises Price of
Footwear" (ibid., Feb. 16, 1916). Yet, these are counterbalanced by a headline on Feb. 8,
1916, that states, "Lumber Orders are Piling Up," and that local mills were expected to
run day and night to fill the orders. Whatever the reason for this apparently localized
depression of real estate value, it has little effect on the overall analysis of the site.
No historic photographs of the original structure could be located, so in order to
develop a model of what the original structure looked like, an artist's rendition was
produced. This illustration is based upon the profile and dimensions of the current
structure, and the profile of the foundation of the structure that is illustrated on the 1912
Sanborn Fire Insurance Map (See Figure 8).
0
H
_/
A"
-
Figure 8. An artist's conception of the structure on Site ORBE2 as it would have appeared in Ca. 1910-1921. View is from he
Northeast.
23
Archaeological Methods
The process of recovering the artifacts from the back-dirt piles on the site was
dictated by the requirements of: quick recovery, a lack of funding, and the ability to work
around the activities of the foundation contractors. All artifacts were recovered with
volunteer help recruited from Oregon State University students. The majority of the
volunteers were from the Department of Anthropology, and the crew varied from day to
day. After the owner of the lot and the contractors approved of the artifact recovery
operation, it was determined that speed was of the essence, as the back-dirt piles were
scheduled to be trucked away to be used as fill at another construction site.
The contractors pointed out that they had a right-of-way use permit, and that it
would be possible to block the sidewalks around the site, as long as they were clear again
by five PM. Since the artifacts were already disturbed and a collection bias would already
exist, no screens were used in the collection process. The collection process appeared
primitive compared to excavation standards of the time, yet this process was not exactly an
excavation. It was quickly noted that the back-dirt piles were placed all around the house,
and most were next to side-walks or open areas. Thus, with the aforementioned right-ofway use permit posted on the structure, it was decided to manipulate each pile onto the
side-walk adjoining it, and as artifacts were encountered, they were recovered and placed
into marked grocery bags.
To simplify clean-up efforts, a tarp was placed over the side-walk adjoining each
pile, and the pile was simply manipulated onto the tarp and back into its original position
again. In this way, artifacts which may be buried at the lowest levels of the pile could be
recovered, and each pile was essentially explored for artifacts twice. Shovels, rakes and
trowels were used to manipulate the piles, and the rakes were found to be the most useful
to move large amounts of soil in a manner which allowed for the observation of artifacts.
The trowels were mostly used to break up clods of soil which might have artifacts within
them.
The primary collection process occuned over a ten day period from October 7,
1993 to October 16, 1993. To establish limited site provenience, the back-dirt piles were
assigned arbitrary letter designations from A-F, and all recovered artifacts were placed in
brown paper grocery bags which were labeled with their appropriate pile designation and
the date that they were recovered. Pile X is so designated as it was not investigated for its
artifact contents before it was hauled away to be used as fill at another construction site by
the contractors. All back-dirt piles varied in size, yet most averaged approximately three
feet tall, and were composed of a dry clay matrix with artifacts.
The excavation process which the contractors used in their efforts was observed by
this researcher. They only used hand-tools in the excavation process, consisting of: roundnosed shovels, digging picks, entrenching tools, and a toy wagon with its wheel trucks
removed. The contractors first dug the perimeter trench using the picks and shovels, and
began to pile the back-dirt immediately around the house, resulting in Piles: A, E, F, and
X. When these piles became large, they proceeded to create Piles B, C, and D (see Figure
9). By the time Piles B, C, and D were created, most of the perimeter work had been
finished, and the three cross-trenches were being excavated. To excavate these, a
contractor would start excavating with an entrenching tool, dragging the toy wagon from
behind, and filling it up with back-dirt. The wagon had a rope extending out the back side
also, so when the wagon was full, the contractor would announce this fact to his
compatriots, who would then yank the wagon out and dump it onto whatever pile was most
convenient.
Therefore, the only piles which can be labeled as containing artifacts from any
defined areas are Piles: A, E, and X. The cross-trenches extended from South to North, so
no cross-trench soil was dumped in Piles A or X. Pile E apparently only had back-dirt
from the South side perimeter, as this researcher only observed the wagon being pulled and
dumped from the North side of the structure. It can be assumed then, that Pile A had backdirt and artifacts from the Northwest corner of the structure, that Pile X had back-dirt and
25
artifacts from the Southwest corner of the structure, and that Pile E had back-dirt and
artifacts from the entire South perimeter of the structure. All of the remaining piles
probably had back-dirt and artifacts from the North and East perimeters, as well as from the
three cross-trenches. Yet, any definitive reconstruction of the probable original location of
the back-dirt and artifacts of each pile remains nearly impossible to formulate.
Some artifacts were recovered by the contractors from directly under the house and
turned over to this researcher or the volunteers without being put into a back-dirt pile, and
other artifacts were also recovered and actually retained by the contractors; nine of which
were later photographed at one of the contractor's residence. In addition, two series of
surface collections of artifacts were performed well after the piles had been removed from
the site, when this researcher noticed more artifacts on the lawn surrounding the structure
on November 5, 1993, and January 13, 1994.
A Street
Figure 9. Site ma1) of ORBE2, showing the relationship of the back-dirt
piles to the structure.
27
Description of the Material Culture
The following is a description of the material culture recovered from site ORBE2
in October of 1993. All of the artifacts other than those in the "Unknown" function
group are described, using metrics and prose (and inches, where necessary). Rather than
describe the artifacts of unknown function, they will be left to the typology labels, and
some will be illustrated using photographs, where perhaps a future researcher will
recognize some of them.
Due to the fact that the material culture was recovered after it had been excavated
and removed from its archaeological contexts, using non-archaeologically based methods,
every effort was made to physically describe each artifact and identify as much temporal
and functional information about each as was possible. Temporal analyses are limited to
date ranges of manufacture, as date ranges of curation, use and disposal of each artifact is
nearly impossible to determine.
Many of these date ranges are fairly broad, as often an artifact's date range of
manufacture is datable to a period, but not to distinct terminus ante quem or terminus
post quem dates. In these cases, the artifacts are labeled as having been produced in the
"early-twentieth century," for example. In this way, both the nineteenth and twentieth
centuries can be broken down into three distinct periods, "early," "mid," and "late." As
the structure on the site was apparently the first one on the lot, and was constructed in
1910 (see Chapter 3), and as the artifacts were recovered in 1993, these periods were
divided into 30 year intervals. Thus, the early-twentieth century corresponds to Ca.
1900-1930, the mid-twentieth to Ca. 1930-1960, and the late-twentieth century to Ca.
1960-1990. Likewise, the nineteenth century follows this pattern, with the earlynineteenth century corresponding to Ca. 1810-1840, the mid-nineteenth to Ca. 1840-1870,
and the late-nineteenth to Ca. 1870-1900. This does eliminate the first decade of the
nineteenth century, but none of the artifacts recovered from the site appear to have been
28
made before Ca. 1840 anyway. Often, an even broader range is required, and the "mid-tolate twentieth century," for instance, dates to Ca. 1930-1990.
The material is typologically organized using Roderick Sprague's, "A Functional
Classification for Nineteenth and Twentieth Century Sites in Historical Archaeology"
(Sprague, 1980). This is perhaps the most comprehensive functional typology style for
historic sites yet devised, and Sprague welcomes modification of the system, which was
undertaken when necessary. As far as modification goes, major categories were not
changed, rather, new descriptors were added under the categories when artifacts would
not fit the descriptors provided. The artifact descriptions will be provided in the order of
the typology which is listed in Table 3.
A further observation about the typological style is that the numbers of artifact
types given in Table 1 and in the text represent the Minimum Number of Individuals
(MINI), thus, the tally of artifacts in the typology does not match the total number of
artifacts recovered from the site. For instance, many pieces of ceramic flatware and
hollowware were each assigned catalog numbers in a database, then were reassembled in
later stages of analysis. Thus, several pieces of ceramic which were later reassembled
were only counted as one piece in the typology as they represented only one piece of
hollowware or flatware.
Finally, a general note about the curation process applied to the artifacts from the
site. All iron artifacts were treated by having any oxidation layers removed using
physical manipulation with dental picks. Then, each iron artifact was heated, and dipped
in molten bee's wax. Admittedly, this process is not easily reversible, nor is it highly
recommended by conservators, but it is a process which is in place in the archaeology lab
at Oregon State University. This process has the following advantages: the wax covering
creates a humidity barrier which is essential in the wet Willamette Valley, in a non-
humidity controlled building; the wax solidifies weak, thin artifacts; and the wax provides
a barrier against human-generated chlorides from handling. All other metal artifacts were
29
gently cleaned using a dry, soft brush, and with swabs dipped in acetone, when tougher
soil and oxidation was encountered. All glass and ceramic artifacts were cleaned using
water and gentle scrubbing, then any pieces to be matched together were adhered with
Elmer's Glue All. All organic artifacts were gently cleaned using a thy, soft brush, and
were bagged in clear, zip-lock, polyethylene bags. Each artifact is labeled using a strip of
clear nail polish (using "CG Nail Slicks," distributed by Noxell Corp.), upon which was
written a site number, and a catalog number (using indelible white or black ink), and
finally each label was top-coated using another layer of clear nail polish. If the artifact
was too porous, or organic in nature to take the nail polish, then the artifact was placed in
a clear, zip-lock, polyethylene bag, and the site and catalog numbers were written on the
bag using an indelible felt ink marker.
Table 3. Functional Typology of Artifacts From ORBE2
Category
Subeategory
Type
N
Personal Items
Clothing
Buckle, clasp type, iron
Buckle, "D" type, chromed steel
Button, bone, single carved eye
Button, brown plastic, 2 hole
Button, decorated glass, raised head, broken eye
Button, shell, 2 hole
Button, shell, 4 hole, fragmentary
Button, shell, fragmentary
Button, single piece pressed steel, 2 hole
Button, white glass, small, 4 hole
Button, white glass, molded design, 4 hole
Button, white glass, large, 4 hole
Button, white plastic, 4 hole
Gloves, leather
1
I
1
I
I
4
3
2
1
2
1
1
1
3
30
Table 3 (Continued)
Glove fragments
Grommet, yellow metal
Textile fragments
Footwear
Overshoe, rubber, right
Shoes, leather, ankle high, small, matched pair
Shoe heels, leather, wI iron nails
Shoe heel counter fragments, leather
Shoe sole fragments, with heels, leather
Shoe sole fragment, leather, hobnailed
Shoe sole fragments, leather
Shoe straps, leather
Shoe tongue, leather
Shoe upper fragments, leather
Shoe upper fragment, leather, toe portion
3
1
5
1
2
2
2
5
1
9
2
2
7
1
Adornment
Bead, red glass, multifaceted
Brass name tag holder
Hat pin
Body Ritual and Grooming
Comb fragment, black plastic
Comb handle, yellow plastic
Emery board, iron
Minor glass fragments
1
1
1
1
1
1
5
Medical and Health
Aspirin case lid
Oral thermometer fragment, glass
Pastimes and Recreation
Bullet, brass jacket to fired .45 cal. pistol cartridge 1
Bullet, fired .45 cal. pistol cartridge
1
Cartridge, fired. 22 short nmfire shell casing
1
Cartridges, fired .22 long nmfire shell casings
3
Cartridge, unfired .22 WRF rimfire round
I
Cartridges, fired .30 WCF casings
3
31
Table 3 (Continued)
Cartridges, fired .30-06 casings
Cartridge, unfired .25-21 round
Cartridge, unfired .25-3 5 round
Cartridge, unfired .401 Winchester round
Shell, 12 gauge shotgun shell, unfired
Shell, 12 gauge shotgun shell primer fragment
Clay marble
Doll's hand fragment, porcelain
Doll's head fragments, porcelain
Doll's foot fragment, porcelain
Harmonica
Paint brush handle, fine pointed
Plastic dart, green
Puzzle piece, to dimensional puzzle, clear plastic
Toy alphabet block, wood
Toy bowl fragments, porcelain
Toy buckle, white plastic
Toy dart for dart gun, yellow and red plastic
Toy frog's head, yellow plastic
Toy sad iron
Toy tea cup, porcelain
9
1
I
1
1
I
1
1
4
I
I
1
I
I
1
1
1
1
I
I
Pocket Tools and Accessories
Key head, broken
Domestic Items
Furnishings
Furniture
Decorative drawer handle base, chromed iron
Drawer or chest handle, iron
1
1
Drapery, Rugs, Linen and Dry Goods
Jacquard woven textile fragment
Decorative Furnishings
Figurine, female in form, yellow metal
Olivella mollusk shells
4
32
Table 3 (Continued)
Picture hanger bracket, stainless steel
Red earthenware planting pot, fragmentary
Red earthenware planting pot fragments
Housewares and Appliances
Kitchen Appliances
Refrigerator shelf glass
Culinary
Gustatory
Kitchen knife blade, stainless steel
Measuring cup, yellow plastic
Table fork, unknown metal
Table knife handle, wood and iron
Table spoon, unknown metal
Containers, Aluminum
Pull tab
Pull tab beverage cans
Containers, Glass Bottles and Jars
Amber, body fragments
Amber, base fragments
Amber, neck fragments
Amber, neck and finish fragments
Amber bottles, whole
Black, body fragment
Blue, body fragments
Clear, body fragments
Clear, base fragments
Clear, neck fragments
Clear, finish fragments
Clear bottles, whole
Clear ink jars, whole
Clearjar, fragmentary
Clear jars, whole
Green, body fragments
1
1
17
3
I
1
1
2
1
2
45
4
I
2
6
1
2
148
14
3
12
19
3
1
2
10
33
Table 3 (Continued)
Green, base fragment
Green, rim fragment
White jar, threaded finish, whole
White jar fragments
Glass Bottle and Jar Closures
Aluminum safety hood for champagne bottle
Canning jar lids, zinc with white glass lining
Canning jar lid liner fragments, white glass
Cardboard milk bottle disks
Champagne bottle stopper, white plastic
Clear glass jar liner fragments, Lightning style
Cork bottle closure
Crown bottle caps, tinned iron
Foil bottle lid
Threaded bottle cap, tinned iron
Threaded jar cap, aluminum with cardboard liner
1
1
I
4
1
4
6
4
1
2
1
3
1
I
Containers, Glass Bowls
Clear Depression glass bowl, whole
White glass bowl, whole
Containers, Glass Tumblers
Clear, base fragments
Clear, rim fragments
Containers, Glass Cups
Clear cup fragments
5
2
2
Containers, Enameled Iron
Cup fragment
Pot lid
Containers, Tinned Iron
Can fragments, unknown style
External friction lid style cans
External friction lid style can lids
External friction lid shortening pail
Hole-in-cap style cans
Hole-in-cap style can lids
19
2
3
1
7
4
34
Table 3 (Continued)
Internal friction lid style cans
Internal friction lid style can lids
Internal friction lid shortening pail lid
Key to key opened can, iron
Pocket tobacco cans
Pull tab style sardine can lid
Sanitary style cans
Sanitary style can lids
Threaded cap style can
Ceramic Flatware and Hollow Ware
Flat stoneware fragment, thick, with gray glaze
Gray earthenware rim fragments
White undecorated earthenware base fragments
White undecorated earthenware body fragments
White undecorated earthenware handle fragments
White undecorated earthenware rim fragments
White earthenware base fragments, decal decorated
White earthenware body fragments, decal decorated
White earthenware handle fragment, decal decorated
White earthenware rim fragments, decal decorated
White earthenware, transfer printed
White earthenware cups, decal decorated
White earthenware bowl, whole, decal decorated
White earthenware plate, decal decorated
White porcelain base fragments
White porcelain body fragments
White porcelain rim fragments
Food Wrapping Materials
Aluminum foil fragments
Bread bag, plastic
Ice cream wrapper, plastic
Food
California Sea Mussel shells
Chicken bones
Cow bones
Corn cobs
Littleneck Clam shells
2
4
1
I
2
1
11
5
1
1
4
27
39
4
26
5
2
1
26
2
2
1
I
5
13
5
3
I
1
2
7
34
3
2
35
Table 3 (Continued)
Pig bones
Turkey bones
Unidentified bones
Portable Illumination
Lamp chimney fragments, clear glass
12
4
15
5
Portable Energy
Battery carbons
Home Education, Information and Business
Clock fragments, internal mechanisms
Nose cap to pen, threaded, stainless steel
Paper clip, iron
Plastic self-adhesive label tape
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning
Mop wringer handle, iron
Rubber squeegee blade
Household Maintenance
Brush or push broom head fragments, wood
C-vise, cast iron
Claw-hanmier head, iron
Flat mill file, iron
Hack saw blade fragment
Paint brush handle, wood
Paint bucket, tinned iron
Plaster bucket, tinned iron
Laundry
Sewing
Clothes hanger wire
Sad iron
Instructions for sewing a zipper on, paper
Label from thread spool, paper
Safety pin
Thread spools, wood
I
1
1
1
1
1
2
I
I
1
1
I
I
2
1
1
1
1
5
36
Table 3 (Continued)
Binding Materials
Rope fragment
Pet maintenance
Dog collar, leather, iron
Dog collar fragment, leather
Dog leash "C" coupling, iron
Architecture
Construction Materials
Brick fragments, orange
Brick fragment, red-brown, embossed EM....
Brick, whole, red, 3 circular perforations
Chinking fragments
Composite roof tile fragments
Concrete chip
Flat clear glass fragments
Flat clear etched glass fragments
Flat clear safety glass fragments
Linoleum fragments
Plaster fragments
Plaster-board fragments
Red ceramic tile fragments
Siding fragments, inlayed wooden cut ends
Tile, octagonal, porcelain
Construction Hardware
Door knob fragment, porcelain
Door lock bracket, iron
Gutter bracket, steel, painted white
Gutter elbow joint, steel, painted white
Machine cut square nails, iron
Threaded eye, iron
Washer, iron
Wire nails, iron
Wood screws, iron
1
2
I
6
1
1
5
14
I
194
4
1
9
21
26
2
6
1
1
1
1
1
10
1
1
113
4
37
Table 3 (Continued)
Plumbing
Chromed decorative water pipe sections
Cylindrical ceramic drain tile fragments
Faucet handle, iron
Iron pipe, cut
Iron pipe collar fittings
Iron pipe collar fitting fragments
Pipe grout
Toilet bowl fragments, white porcelain
Fixed Illumination
Electric light bulb
Electric light bulb base fragments
Electric light bulb, glass bulb only
Fixed Power
Aluminum insulated wire strand
Cloth covered electrical wire
Cloth wire covering fragments
Electrical wire conduit, iron
Pin type glass electrical insulator
Porcelain cleat insulators
Porcelain cleat insulator fragments
Porcelain knob type insulator
Porcelain knob type insulator fragments
Porcelain split type insulator fragments
Porcelain tube insulator
PVC insulated electrical wire strand
Television cable stand-offs, iron
Television roof antenna arm
300 OHM twin pad wire strand
Fixed Heating and Cooling
Makers plate for heating stove, cast iron
Stove flue damper handle, iron
3
23
I
1
4
5
I
2
I
4
I
1
6
2
1
1
2
3
I
4
4
1
I
2
1
1
38
Table 3 (Continued)
Personal and Domestic Transportation
Vehicles
Bicycle handlebar mounted bell
Bicycle headset locking ring
Bicycle saddle cover, leather
Bicycle handle-bar stem, iron
Buggy bolt, hand wrought
Clear glass automobile head-lamp lens fragment
Harness buckle, iron
Schraeder air valve cap to a pneumatic rubber tire
Tail-light bulb base cover, yellow metal
Valve to an internal combustion engine
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Vehicle Maintenance
Plastic seal to Texaco oil container
Spanner wrench, iron
Commerce and Industry
Fishing
Wire hook, barbed, large, iron
1
Mass Media, Informational Services
Newspapers, whole
Newsprint fragments
5
Transportation Construction
Railroad spikes, machine made
Railroad spike, hand wrought
3
22
Group Services
Education
Conical centrifuge tube
Utilities, Communications System
Rotary phone dialing internal mechanism
Taplock utility lock
1
39
Table 3 (Continued)
Telephone box cover, aluminum
Telephone box lightning surge protector
1
1
Unknowns
Brass
Cardboard
Concrete
Glass
Stamped decorative lid to unknown item
1
Cardboard wrapper, product unknown
1
Molded concrete fragment
Molded concrete cylindrical fragments
1
2
Clear curved glass fragment, painted green and black 1
Flat clear stippled glass fragments, with raised edges 3
Melted glass chunks
9
Tube, melted into 90 degree elbow angle
1
Iron
Banding fragments
Bracket, small
Braided wire fragments
Cast iron block, perforated
Center perforated, rimmed disk
Chromed flanged iron tube, multiple diameters
Cut, bent iron stock
Hand wrought nail
Hand wrought nut
Perforated strap
Perforated strap with sheeting riveted to one end
Perforated strap, painted white, snapped
Riveted iron strap
Sheeting, cut in rectangle, painted red
Sheeting, cut
Spring, large
Spring-wound pin
Thin, square wire fragments
Tinned iron fragments
7
I
3
1
1
I
1
1
I
1
1
2
1
1
6
1
I
2
3
40
Table 3 (Continued)
Unknown geared machinery
Unknown iron objects
Unknown utensil head
Wire fragments, bent
Lead
1
2
1
3
Melted lead fragments
2
Leather fragments
Leather gasket, cut
14
Leather
Mica
Plastic
Mica fragment
Black plastic fragment
Black plastic octagons
Clear plastic fragments
Gray plastic fragments
White plastic fragments
White plastic handle fragment, with iron rivet
1
1
1
2
4
I
3
Porcelain
Small tube fragment
Rubber
Textiles
1
0-ring fragments
Rubber fragments
4
Yarn fragments
2
13
Wiring
PVC insulated electrical wiring
Wood
Burned wood fragments
Dowel, 1" with nail impaled through it
2
I
41
Table 3 (Continued)
Flat board, crudely cut like a paddle
Flat board, narrow, with wrapped iron wire
Hand carved dowel with 5 leather tabs
Mitered board cut in half circle
Shaving
Wood fragments
Unknown tool handle (hammer, pick?)
Unknown utensil handle
Unknown Materials
White chalky substance
1
1
1
1
3
1
1
2
Ecofacts
Rat bones
2
Personal Items
Within Sprague's (1980) functional typology system there are 12 sub-categories
listed under the heading Personal Items. Seven are represented in this sample, and no new
sub-categories were added to the list. The sample is represented by the following subcategories with the corresponding number of artifacts: Clothing (32), Footwear (34),
Adornment (3), Body Ritual and Grooming (8), Medical and Health (2), Pastimes and
Recreation (42), and Pocket Tools and Accessories (1).
Clothing
Clasp Type Buckle:
A clasp type iron buckle was recovered from the site. The buckle is rectangular
shaped, and measures 2.3 cm x 2.9 cm. Its shape and size indicates that it was probably
used for some type of clothing item, perhaps on a small waist belt, or suspenders. No
42
markings appear on the buckle, but it does appear to be machine-made, indicating that it is
probably of late-nineteenth, to early-twentieth century manufacture (see Figure 10).
"D" Style Buckle:
A second buckle, a "D" type, was recovered from the site as well. The buckle is
made of chromed iron or steel, and the cylindrical cross bar of the buckle still has the
remains of what appears to be leather, mixed with iron oxidation. A single thread of an
unknown fiber is also present. The other three sides of the buckle have a general "V"
profile, with the tip of the "V" apparently designed to face away from the wearer. This
tip of the "V" also has a decorative pattern of impressed rectangles, arranged in a
continuous row around the profile of the buckle. The buckle has the dimensions of 4.6
cm x 5.3 cm, and due to its size and nature was probably used on a waist belt. There are
no manufacturer's markings present on the buckle, yet it does appear to be machine-
made, which indicates that it is probably of late-nineteenth, to early-twentieth century
manufacture (see Figure 10).
Bone Button:
A single bone button was recovered from the site. The button is circular,
"mushroom" shaped, and has a single-eyed, oval shaped shank. The button was probably
turned on a lathe, and measures 2.3 cm in diameter. There are no decorative features or
markings on the bone, making it difficult to determine a date range of manufacture (see
Figure 10).
Decorated Glass Button:
A similarly shaped decorated glass button was recovered, being made of clear glass
with a swirled, dark backing of glass having been applied. The affect creates a button
which appears like a dark eye pupil when viewed from above, and a clear button with a
43
dark back from below. Such buttons are apparently known a "swirl pattern" types in
button collectors nomenclature, although no definitive date range for this style of button
is given (Luscomb, 1992: 193). The button apparently had a metal eye inserted in the
back of the button when the glass was still molten, but the eye has broken and is only
represented by a broken stub. The button measures approximately 1.4 cm in diameter
(see Figure 10).
Plastic Buttons:
The two plastic buttons which were identified probably show the early
development of plastic, due to their slight deterioration. One of the plastic buttons is
brown in color, circular, and has a depressed center well and raised edges. The button is
of a two hole, sew through type, and measures approximately 1.9 cm in diameter. The
other plastic button is a cream white color, although this could be due to a staining of a
white shade after deposition. This button is of a four-hole, depressed center well, sew
though type, and has a diameter of 1.4 cm. Due to their plastic material type, these
buttons are definitely of twentieth century manufacture, and due to their degradation they
probably represent early-to-mid-twentieth century manufacture (see Figure 10).
Steel Button:
The only metallic button recovered from the site is made of pressed steel,
anodized or painted dark gray. The button has a depressed center well, two-holes, and is
a sew-through type. It measures approximately 1.3 cm in diameter. As this button was
apparently machine-made, it is probably representative of twentieth century
manufacture, and due to the low levels of corrosion present on the button, it is probably
of mid-to-late twentieth century manufacture (see Figure 10).
44
Pearl Buttons:
Eight "pearl buttons" (those made from nacreous shellfish species) were recovered
from the site (Claassen, 1994: 4). More than likely these buttons were made somewhere
on the Mississippi rivershed between ca. 1891- 1950, the peak years of American shell
button manufacture (Claassen, 1994: 1). Two of these pearl buttons are too fragmentary
to yield any information as to their type. Two other fragmentary buttons appear to be
recessed well, four-hole, sew through types, although they are too deteriorated to
determine a diameter. The remaining four pearl buttons are all two-hole, sew through
style. One of these has a recessed well, two others have a centered, diamond shaped cut
surrounding the holes, and the final button is relatively flat. The approximate diameters
each of the buttons in the same order as they were described are: 1.0 cm, 1.5 cm, 1.6 cm,
and 1.9 cm (see Figure 10).
Shell Button:
A single shell button (those made from shellfish lacking nacre), was also recovered
from the site (Claassen, 1995: 4) Most of these buttons were apparently made from
shellfish harvested in the Pacific Ocean in the early-twentieth century (ibid.: 1, 4). This
button has a recessed center well, with four holes, and is a sew through type. The center
well has deteriorated, leaving a hollow center connecting the four holes in a rough "X"
pattern. The approximate diameter of this button is 1.4 cm.
White Milk Glass Buttons:
The final four buttons recovered from the site are all made of white "milk glass."
All four buttons have recessed center wells, four holes, and are sew through type. One of
these has a decorated rim consisting of radially incised lines extending around the button
45
I
Fl
I
Figure 10. Buckles and buttons recovered from site ORBE2. A. Clasp Buckle B. "D"
Type Buckle C. Bone Button C. Plastic Button E. 2-Hole Pearl Buttons F. 4-Hole
Pearl Buttons G. Steel Button H. White Milk Glass Buttons I. Decorated Glass
Buttons J. Plastic Button
46
which is apparently known as a "piecrust" style (Speulda, 1988: 41). Its diameter is 1.9
cm. The other three buttons have no decorative features, and are of the following
diameters: 1.7 cm, 1.1 cm, and 1.1 cm (see Figure 10).
Gloves:
An almost complete pair of large leather gloves was recovered from the site. The
gloves are almost wholly intact except much of their stitching has disintegrated. The
gloves have been loosely pieced back together by matching seam lines together (no
attempt to readhere the various pieces back together was made; the gloves have simply
been laid out in trays to show their original intact order). The left glove is more complete
than the right one, having a wrist band with evidence of a snap button fastener on the
back represented by a hole where the snap button should have been present. The right
glove does not have such a wrist band. All digits of both gloves are present, with each
digit composed of two pieces of leather, one for the top and another for the bottom, with
stitching along the sides and on the top of the back of the glove. The left glove's wrist
band has textile lining remains, as well as a textile tag with a stamp of a shield. Inside of
the shield appears the words "UNION LABEL," as well as other words which are now
illegible.
The other glove in the collection is a much smaller, less "utilitarian," style, of a
finer grain leather. The glove is left handed, with welted stitching for each digit along the
mid-lines of the digits, as well as on the back of the hand portion. The wrist portion
closed with a snap button system, apparently made of copper, due to the light green color
of the corrosion on the snaps. The glove is fairly well preserved, with much of the
stitching preserved, however most of the wrist area has deteriorated, and the thumb digit
has fallen off and is compressed flat.
The larger pair of gloves strongly resembles those pictured in the 1902 Edition of
the Sears, Roebuck Co. Catalogue, page 1008, stock number 33R508 (Sears, Roebuck and
47
Company, 1969). The gloves are described as, "Men's Very Best Quality Genuine Oil
Tanned Calfskin Gloves. Extra heavy weight, with soft wool fleece lining and patent
snap button fastener at back; welt seams and banded wrists" (ibid.). Unfortunately, there
is no definitive evidence of the gloves having been lined with wool fleece, and the snap
button fastener is missing (although a leather strap with a snap button fastener was
recovered, see below). None of the women's gloves listed in the 1902 version of the
Sears, Roebuck and Co. Catalogue resembled the smaller glove in the collection.
Therefore, it is extremely difficult to date any of these gloves, other than to say that they
are probably of early twentieth century manufacture.
Glove Fragments:
There are also three leather fragments recovered from the site which appear to be
from gloves. The first is apparently a piece of a digit, probably a thumb piece. It is of
similar design as the whole gloves, being a top or bottom half of a welted stitch
construction. A leather strap with the projected end of a yellow metal snap button was
also recovered. This fragment is composed of two pieces of leather stitched, "sandwich
style," around the snap button. It may be a closure strap from the large pair of gloves
described above, as their style indicates that they would have had one. The final piece is
a wrist band which appears to be identical to that from the large left glove, and it can be
proposed that it may be the missing wrist band from the right glove, yet it was recovered
from Pile A, while the gloves were recovered from Pile F (see site map, Figure 9). Even
with the mixed provemence, however, it is not entirely unlikely for these fragments to go
together, as the contractors' excavation techniques could have certainly led to widely
scattered artifacts from the same original provenience.
48
Grommet:
A single yellow metal grommet was recovered from the site. It is difficult to say
what kind of clothing item this came from, or whether this is definitely even a clothing
item. Grommets can be used on many different non-clothing textile items, yet without
more evidence associated with the artifact, this is the best place to categorize it. The
grommet is circular, although it has an area which has been flattened and extends past the
outside circumference of the rest of the grommet. In its unaltered form, the grommet
measures approximately 2.0 cm in diameter, and it still has an unknown textile type
adhering to it on one side.
Textile Remains:
There are five textile fragments which are more than likely from some form of
clothing. In order to determine the type of fiber which the textiles were made of,
microscopic analysis and burn tests of small, loose fibers from each fragment were
performed when possible. Both tests were performed on each fragment as the
deterioration of many of the fibers made it difficult to confirm accuracy of identification
with only one test. The microscopically analyzed samples were compared to
photographs and illustrations in, Matthew 's Textile Fibers Their Physical, Microscopic,
and Chemical Properties, edited by Herbert R. Mauersberger. The procedures for, and
results of the burn tests were derived from and compared to, Marjory L Joseph's,
Introductory Textile Science.
Artifact number 296a is a rib weave, cotton textile fragment which appears to have
been dyed black. The fragment is in a much deteriorated state, with gaping holes in its
structure and wrinkles preventing it from laying completely flat. There is no definitive
indicator as to what kind of garment the fragment may have belonged to, but it does have
a selvedge edge.
49
Artifact number 296b is a perplexing piece. The fragment is folded over evenly on
its long edge and it appears that it may be a type of double cloth. One half of the piece
appears to be a satin or sateen weave, while the other is a plain weave. Double cloth is
not an extremely rare type of material, however, in its folded form this piece is only 3.0
cm wide, and somebody went through a lot of trouble to create a double cloth of subtle
effect on a very narrow piece of cloth. The fragment is decayed to the point where one
cannot stretch it out to its lull length to get an accurate measurement, however an estimate
would be at 42 cm. Both the microscopic analysis and the burn tests indicate that the
fragment is made of cotton. The remains of golden-brown stitching thread are also
present on the piece. The textile has been dyed black, and with the thin nature of the
material, its weave structure, and its color, the fragment is probably the remains of a
dress.
Artifact number 297 is a ribbed knit textile fragment, which was dyed a dark color
(probably brown). The fragment is much decayed, with many holes in its structure.
Both the microscopic analysis and the bum tests indicate that the fragment is made of
cotton, and the ribbed knit would indicate that this was probably a long underwear cuff,
or, more likely, the ankle portion of a sock.
Artifact number 298 is represented by two textile fragments which were found
together and probably originated from the same garment. They are both plain woven, and
the smaller fragment has a double stitched finish. The fragments appear to have been a
light color (probably white), and have been stained a dingy light brown through
deposition in the ground. Microscopic analysis and burn tests indicate that the fragments
are made of cotton. Due to the material and the general shape of the double stitched
finish, the fragments are probably the remains of a shirt sleeve and cuff.
The final textile fragment which represents clothing remains is artifact number
1166. The artifact is a ribbed knit cuff to a sleeve or pant leg, which was probably affixed
to a piece of clothing similar to either a set of long underwear, or a jacket. The artifact is
50
fairly well preserved, and due to its integrity and ribbed knit, no fibers presented
themselves readily removable for analysis for either microscopy, or a burn test.
However, by the looks and texture of the textile, one can make the educated guess that the
fragment is probably made of cotton. The artifact appears to have been a light color
(probably white), which has been stained a dingy light brown due to deposition in the
soil.
Footwear
Overshoe
A single rubber overshoe was recovered from the site. The overshoe is black
overall, and had a checked impressed bottom which has been smoothed over in many
areas due to wear. The shoe measures approximately 26.4 cm in length, is low cut, and
also has a low heel. There are no snaps, buckles, or laces which would have kept the shoe
on, and it appears that this overshoe was meant to simply slip on and off, and was
probably kept on by having a close fit and internal friction. In the vamp area of the sole
is an oval, within which is the following: "HOOD / RUBBER COMPANY / BOSTON."
Underneath all of this are the three letters, "USA." Likewise, on the heel of the shoe
there is a further trademark within a rectangle, marked, "HOOD'S / PLYMOUTH /
EXTRA QUALITY." Without a doubt, this overshoe was manufactured by the Hood
Rubber Company of Boston, Massachusetts, however, no reference to this company
could be discovered. It can be noted, however, that this overshoe closely resembles those
pictured in several reprinted copies of the Sears and Roebuck Co.'s between 1900-1908
(Bounty Books, 1969: 1051; DBI Books, 1970: 511; and DBI Books, 1971: 844).
These references list several very similar low-cut overshoes with such names as: "Storm
Alaskas," "Stormy Weather Rubbers," "Self Acting Sandals," and "Sandal Rubbers." By
51
any name, they all shared the function of keeping rain and mud off of, and out of one's
shoes, which would have been crucial in an area as typically wet as Corvallis.
Leather Boots, Matched Pair:
A single pair of apparently matched, leather, ankle-high boots were recovered
from the site. The pair appear to be matched as they are identical in style and size, with
the left having an approximate length of 19.3 cm from heel to toe, while the right is
approximately 19.4 cm. Although quite soiled, the leather was apparently originally
tanned brown, with the hide surface facing outward. The boots are of lace-up type, with
eight pairs of lace-up holes, which appear to be copper lined. The left boot even has
partial textile lace remains, which also appear to be brown, and although not tested for a
material type, they appear to be cotton. Each boot has a rounded toe with a decorated
toe cap, which has a single row of perforated holes running across the breadth of the shoe
where the cap is stitched to the ball joint area of the foot. It would appear from the
presence of small nails protruding from the underside of the perimeter of the outsole, that
the boots were constructed using a Nailed process, or perhaps the earlier Standard Screw
process (United Shoe Machineiy Corporation, 1939: 44-47). The right boot is more
intact that the left, missing only its laces and its tongue. The left boot is missing its outer
left ankle cover and lace-hole section, as well as its tongue; yet overall it is in better
structural shape, showing less signs of aging, shrinkage, and soiling (see Figure 11).
According to Swann, this style of ankle-boot can be termed as either a "Balmoral"
or an "Open Tab or Eaton" boot, although this is from a chart describing British footwear,
and style labels for the same shoe or boot may have been admittedly different on the
West Coast of the United States (Swarm, 1982: 9 1-94). In fact, it must be pointed out
that Swarm's book was written from a British perspective, and that this should be kept in
mind with all future references to her work. Dating these boots is as equally difficult as
giving them a style name, as this basic style of ankle-high boot was popular from
Ca.
52
Figure 11. A matched pair of leather boots recovered from Site ORBE2. The boots are
apparently from a small girl, manufactured during Ca. 1900-1920.
53
1890-1920, with only minor variations in style being observed over this time period
(ibid.: 5 1-59). The toe cap and the rounded toe are probably indicators of a later
manufacture date in this period, probably Ca. 1910-1915, although this is by no means
certain (ibid.: 52-53). The boots are apparently for a child due to their small size, yet
determination of gender is difficult, as styles of the period offer the impression, "...of
strong, almost unisex footwear." (ibid.: 52).
Shoe Heels, Leather:
Two leather shoe heels were recovered from the site. Artifact number 308 is a
complete heel with five wire drawn nails still driven through it. The heel is a standard "If'
shape, and the nails are arranged in an, "X" pattern. The heel measures approximately 1.2
cm thick at its thickest, and is approximately 4.8 cm wide, by 4.7 cm long. Due to these
dimensions, the heel is probably the bottom portion of a thicker, stacked heel, of a
woman's shoe. Extensive wear on the outside left of the heel probably indicates that this
heel is from a left shoe which was worn over an extended period of time. Due to the use
of iron wire nails, this heel can be dated to the early-to-mid twentieth century.
The second heel, artifact number 855, is slightly larger than the first. This heel is
approximately 6.5 cm long, .6 cm thick, and has a maximum width of approximately 6.1
cm. The breast of this heel is basically straight, and a series of 21 nail holes follows the
perimeter of the heel. Many of these nails are still in place, and they appear to be iron,
wire-drawn nails. This heel may only represent a portion of the entire original heel, due
to its noted thinness. A preponderance of the wear on the back of the heel appears to be
on the right side, probably indicating that this heel was attached to a right shoe. Due to
the use of iron wire nails, this heel can probably also be dated to the early-to-mid
twentieth century.
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Shoe Heel-Counter Fragments, Leather:
Two brown leather shoe heel-counter fragments were recovered from the site. The
first heel-counter, artifact number 925, is still curved in a rough oval, as it would have
been when it was still attached to its original shoe. The bottom edge of the heel-counter
still shows perforations from where it was stitch lasted, however, it is not clear as to
what style of shoe construction was used, as most manufacturing processes of this
century used the stitch last. Although it is almost impossible to detennine a shoe style
from only a heel-counter, it can be observed that this counter strongly resembles those on
the aforementioned ankle-boots.
The second heel counter, artifact number 861, is still attached to a partial last.
The counter is once again of brown leather, and appears to be the remains of a sturdy
work shoe or boot, as the counter is double reinforced, having two inner layers of leather.
The last also shows evidence of sturdy construction techniques, displaying both stitching
perforations, as well as small iron nails which would have protruded all the way through
to the outsole. These nails are indicative of the Nail or Standard Screw manufacture
process, which was, "used extensively in the construction of men's work shoes.."
(United Shoe Machinery Corporation, 1939: 44). Once again, the counter strongly
resembles those on the aforementioned ankle-boots, and is probably the remains of a
similarly styled shoe or boot of the early-twentieth century.
Shoe Sole Fragments, With Heels:
Five leather shoe sole fragments with heels were recovered. There is very little
diagnostic information involved with these soles, as they are all in a relatively poor state
of preservation. It is odd to note, however, that all five soles are incomplete, with all of
them having a portion of the sole extending forward of the heel which has been torn across
the width of the shoe at some point between the vamp and the ball of the foot.
55
Therefore, only dimensions and general shapes of the heels will be described, as none of
the soles are complete enough to determine a possible size range.
Artifact number 847 has the highest heel of the five, being constructed of seven
layers of leather, having an overall height of 3.4 cm. The heel is of a "U" shape profile,
and is tacked together and to the sole with the use of eight extant iron nails, with a further
hole indicating the possibility of a ninth. The heel has a forward pitch angle, and its
breast is slightly curved (Thornton, 1958: 417). According to Swann, the heel style can
be called a Semi-Cuban (1982: 9 1-94). The remnants of the sole which are still attached
to the heel is broken across the ball of the foot, and has the dimensions of being
approximately 13.2 cm long, by 5.0 cm wide. Four lasting tacks are still clinched into the
sole in the vamp area, and between these tacks and the edge of the sole are stitching holes.
Such a layout is apparently representative of a McKay sewed shoe, which was the first
style of machine-made sole which was introduced in 1858 (United Shoe Machinery
Corporation, 1938: 26). Due to the narrow width of the heel, and since it is a SemiCuban style, this artifact is probably representative of a woman's shoe from the late
nineteenth to the early-twentieth century.
Artifact number 857 has an oddly shaped heel, which is in a rough "V" shaped
profile, and tapers towards the outsole. There are four pieces of stacked leather which
compose the remnants of this heel, although it appears that several layers are missing.
Currently, the heel is about 1.9 cm tall, 5.3 cm long, and 4.7 cm wide. The leather layers
of the heel are held together with three iron wire tacks, in a triangular pattern. This heel
has a definite forward pitch angle, and a slightly curved breast. Judging from the remnants
of the heel, it is representative of a tall heel style such as a Louis, or a Semi-Louis (Swann,
1982: 9 1-94). The remnants of the outsole which are still present are broken across the
vamp section of the shoe, and measures approximately 5.4 cm past the breast of the heel.
There are three iron lasting tacks which are still present in the outsole, and from the inner
surface of the sole, one can see a line of stitch marks which run between the lasting tacks
56
and the edge of the sole. Once again, this is representative of a McKay sewed shoe
(United Shoe Machinery Company, 1938: 26) Due to the type and narrowness of the
heel present on this sole, this artifact is probably representative of a woman's shoe from
the late-nineteenth to the early-twentieth century.
Artifact number 929 has a fairly complete heel, which has a basic "U" profile, and
is composed of five layers of leather. The heel is held together with at least five iron wire
tacks, and the final layer is also stitched around its edges. The outer right edge of the heel
shows extreme wear, cutting through the first layer of leather; indicating that this is the
remnants of a right shoe. The heel is quite low, only about 1.7 cm tall, with a length of
4.7 cm, and a width of 3.9 cm. The heel has a normal type pitch, and a slightly curved
breast section (Thornton, 1958: 417). According to Swann, this heel can be termed either
a "German seat," or an "outstanding heel" (1982: 91-94). The remnants of the outsole
extend approximately 4.7 cm forward from the breast of the heel, where it is broken
across the ball of the shoe. There are no lasting tacks present in this outsole, however the
presence of a stitch line running along the perimeter of the sole, as well as a wooden
"filler" board in the center of the sole, indicates a McKay sewed shoe once again. This
style of heel is quite utilitarian, and the size of this sole/heel indicates that it was
probably from a child's shoe, from either a boy or a girl. The style of manufacture of the
shoe is representative of either late-nineteenth century, or early-twentieth century
manufacture.
Artifact number 930 has a degraded heel, which is a "U" shape in profile, and is
composed of four layers of leather. The heel has a forward facing pitch, a straight breast,
and is held together using at least ten iron wire tacks. The heel is approximately 1.4 cm
tall, 5.0 cm long, and 4.6 cm wide. The outer left portion of the heel is quite worn down,
indicating that this is probably the remnants of a left shoe; however the cut of the outsole
indicates a right. Judging from the shape of the heel, it can probably be termed a low
"semi-Louis" style (Swann, 1982: 91-94). The outsole extends approximately 6.3 cm
57
forward of the breast of the heel, where it was broken across the ball of the shoe. Two
iron lasting tacks are present in the sole, as well as a row of stitch marks around the
perimeter of the sole, indicating that this shoe was constructed using a McKay sewed
shoe style. As the heel is a low semi-Louis, this sole/heel assemblage is probably
representative of a woman's shoe of the late-nineteenth century, or early-twentieth
century.
Artifact number 932 has a quite degraded heel, which was apparently a basic "U"
shape in profile, and is composed of at least three layers of leather. The heel has a normal
pitch, a straight breast, and is held together with at least 13 iron wire tacks spread around
the perimeter of the heel. The heel is approximately 2.3 cm tall, and is 5.2 cm wide, but
unfortunately, no lengthwise dimension could be taken as the back of the heel is basically
missing due to degradation. According to Swann, this heel can be termed a "German
seat", or "outstanding heel," and this is probably representative of a utilitarian type shoe
(1983: 9 1-94). The outsole extends approximately 6.0 cm forward of the breast of the
heel, where it was broken across the vamp of the shoe. There are no lasting tacks present,
but the presence of a stitch line extending around the perimeter of the shoe, and the
depression in the center of the sole for a filler, probably indicates that this assemblage
was constructed using a McKay sewn shoe method as well. Due to the heel type, the
style of manufacture, and the size of this sole/heel assemblage, this artifact is probably
representative of an adult woman's or man's shoe of the late-nineteenth century to the
early-twentieth century.
Shoe Sole Fragment, Hobnailed:
The fragmentary remains of a hobnailed, leather shoe sole was recovered from the
site. The sole is composed of two layers of thick leather, which together are
approximately .9 cm thick. The sole fragment appears to representative of the right,
forward section of a shoe, which has been broken across the vamp of the shoe. The sole
58
is currently approximately 12.7 cm long, and 7.9 cm wide at its maximums. Currently,
there are 48 iron hobnails protruding through the outsole, from approximately the ball
area of the sole, forward. Each hobnail is approximately .6 cm in diameter, and appears to
be a large headed tack which was hammered through the two-layered sole. Unfortunately,
the outer edge of the sole is quite degraded, and there is no evidence of stitching lines,
welting, or perimeter tacks, so the method of manufacture for the entire shoe cannot be
determined. Even so, this sole is probably representative of a work-style shoe for a
medium-sized, adult individual, made in the late-nineteenth century, or early-twentieth
century.
Shoe Sole Fragments:
A total of nine leather shoe sole fragments were recovered from the site. Out of
these, seven appear to be outsole fragments, while two are inner sole lining fragments.
The two inner sole lining fragments are both heel sections of two quite different pairs of
shoes. Artifact number 311 is a heel and vamp section, having been broken across the
sole lining around the ball of the shoe. The fragment is approximately 14.0 cm long, with
a maximum heel width of 3.7 cm, a minimum vamp width of 3.3 cm, and a maximum ball
width of 6.1 cm. With the heel facing the viewer, the ball of the shoe curves to the left,
indicating that this is the remains of a right shoe, and due to its narrow width, probably
that of an adult woman. It appears that the hide side was placed upwards in the shoe,
and both sides have remnants of a textile lining still present. The perimeter of this sole
has a stitch row, as well as apparent lasting tack holes. Because of these indicators, this
fragment appears to be representative of a McKay sewed shoe, probably of the late-
nineteenth, or early-twentieth century. Artifact number 316 is very different than 311, in
that it is a heel sole liner which appears to have been purposely cut forjust the heel. The
forward edge of the liner is cut in a straight line, rather than being broken or degraded as
many of the other sole fragments. The back of the heel is rounded, and the overall length
59
of this liner is 9.1 cm. The liner has a maximum width of 6.2 cm, and is only 5.6 cm wide
across its forward cut edge, with a thickness of only .1 cm. There are no stitch or tack
marks present on the liner, and it must be assumed that it was adhered into the sole of the
shoe with some sort of adhesive. The lack of stitch marks, and the thinness of the leather
indicates that the liner was for purely aesthetic purposes, and probably had little to do
with the actual function of the shoe. It cannot be said whether or not this liner is from a
left or a right shoe, or even if it is from a woman's or a man's, yet it is most likely of
early-to-mid-twentieth century manufacture due to the use of adhesives in its
construction.
Of the remaining seven heel fragments, four are too deteriorated to yield much
diagnostic information, but one of these seems to have perimeter stitch marks (which
could indicate a number of different shoe manufacture styles). All of the remaining
fragments are the remains of toe sections of outsoles. Two of the two toe fragments,
artifacts number 309 and 436, could quite possibly be the remains of a mated pair of
shoes. Both have been degraded and broken across the ball of the shoe, and both have an
edge perimeter stitch mark. The toe ends are both quite rounded, with the rounding
extending to one side, indicating that number 436 was a left shoe, and number 309 was a
right. There is no evidence of last tacking, and with only the perimeter stitching present,
these soles may be the remnants of a pair of Goodyear welt shoe (United Shoe
Machinery Corporation, 1939: 19). Both of the soles are approximately .5 cm thick,
lending further credence to the possibility of their being a mated pair. If these are
Goodyear welted shoe soles, then their date range of manufacture would be the late-
nineteenth century to the mid-twentieth century.
Artifact number 313 represents the third toe fragment of an outsole, and it too has
been degraded and broken across its ball. The sole is quite degraded and desiccated, and
has in fact rolled into itself along its edges. It appear to be about .4 cm thick along its
perimeter, however the calipers could not grasp flat in the middle. This fragment has a
line of stitching around its perimeter, and lacks evidence of last tacking. This fragment
probably represents a Goodyear welted shoe as well, and shares the same date range of
manufacture as those above.
Shoe Straps:
Two leather straps which are apparently the remains of shoe straps were
recovered from the site. Artifact number 319 is a leather band, in a basic rectangle shape,
being approximately 12.9 cm long, 1.8 cm wide, and .2 cm thick. The entire perimeter of
the strap has two parallel stitch lines, although it is not known whether this was for
attachment to another piece of leather, or merely for strengthening the edges of the band.
The strap has a finely finished hide side, as well as a mostly unfinished skin side.
Artifact number 1196, meanwhile, ends in a tip, and gently widens in a slow taper,
to an end which has been torn. The perimeter of this strap has been double stitched as
well, and once again, it is not known if the strap was actually stitched to another piece of
leather; or if this was merely for aesthetic, or strengthening value. This strap is
approximately 11.5 cm long, and is approximately 1.7cm wide near its tip, and 3.5 cm
wide near its torn end. The strap is approximately .2 cm thick, and has a finely finished
hide side.
Without other shoe contexts with which to associate these two straps, it is
impossible to say what type, age, size, or gender specific shoe they came from; or if they
even definitely came from a shoe.
Shoe Tongues:
Two leather shoe tongues were recovered from the site. Both tongues are each
composed of a single piece of leather, and both appear to have been finished with the hide
side facing out, in a brown or black color. Artifact number 306 has a squared top, which
tapers to a squared bottom. The bottom has a double row of stitch marks, indicating
61
where it was attached to the upper of the shoe. The tongue has been doubled over, and is
desiccated into this position, so an overall length measurement is not possible. The top,
however, is approximately 4.7 cm wide, while the bottom is only 3.2 cm wide, and the
leather used for the tongue is only .1 cm thick. In comparison, artifact number 1195 has a
rounded top, which tapers to a squared bottom, and it does truly have a tongue-like
profile. This tongue is approximately 13.0cm long, is composed of leather which is .1 cm
thick, has a rounded end width of 3.7 cm, and a squared end width of 1.8 cm.
Approximately 2.5 cm up from the squared end, is a wider portion of the tongue, which
has been cut with two small points on either side. A width of 2.7 cm is displayed from
point to point, andjust underneath these widened points, is a single stitch line, indicating
that this is where the tongue was attached to its upper. This widened portion probably
served as a friction point to catch a narrower portion of the upper, which perhaps
enhanced the strength of the single stitch line holding the tongue in place.
As the tongues were recovered separated from their shoes, it is almost impossible
to determine what date range, type, size, side orientation, or gender specific shoe they
came from.
Shoe Upper Fragments, With Eyelets:
Seven thrk brown, leather shoe upper fragments with eyelets were recovered from
the site. Six of these have copper lined eyelets, apparently made for lace-up style shoes,
while one has large openings through the leather, with two smaller perforations placed
underneath each opening, for an unknown type of shoe closure.
Artifact number 310 is the right ankle quarter of an ankle-high shoe or boot, which
has five copper-lined eyelets, each of which is .5 cm in diameter. It appears that the
entire ankle quarter is present, from the back of the shoe where it would have met the
opposing ankle quarter, to the forward vamp portion of the quarter. From the forward
vamp section to the back of the ankle measures approximately 18.7 cm, while the ankle
portion of the quarter is approximately 7.2 cm. The leather is approximately .4 cm thick,
indicating a tough, utilitarian type shoe. Judging from the size of this quarter, and the
style it apparently represents, it appears that this piece is the remains of a man's anklehigh, lace-up, shoe or boot, of the early-twentieth century.
Artifact number 864 appears to be the remains of a left ankle quarter, of an ankle-
high boot or shoe. The leather was prepared to have a roughened, distressed look, and it
may even be pig's hide. Four copper-lined eyelets are present, each of which is .3 cm in
diameter, and single-line stitch marks appear on all four edges of the fragment, indicating
connection areas with other parts of the shoe, and on one seam, the finished edge of the
top of the ankle. The fragment measures approximately 12.3 cm long, by 6.5 cm wide,
and the leather is approximately .2 cm thick. Judging from the size of the fragment, and
its eyelets, this appears to be the remains of a boy's or girl's, lace-up, ankle-high shoe or
boot, of the early-twentieth century.
Artifact number 866 appears to be the left quarter of a shoe, and has four copperlined eyelets present, each of which is .5 cm in diameter. The piece consists of the lace-
up portion of a shoe, across the vamp, then extends back to where it apparently met with
the opposing quarter in the back of the shoe. The area immediately surrounding the
eyelets is bulked up with an additional piece of leather stitched around it. The quarter is
approximately 16.0 cm long, and the vamp section is approximately 4.0 cm wide at its
maximum. The leather is less than .1 cm thick, with the doubled-up portion being
approximately .2 cm thick. Judging from these remains, this quarter represents a low-cut,
or possibly ankle-high shoe or boot, for either a woman or man, of the early-twentieth
century.
Artifacts 927 and 928 appear to be the right and left ankle quarters of an anklehigh shoe or boot. The two were once connected on a single-stitched line at the back of
the shoe, and each has nine copper-lined eyelets, each of which is approximately .4 cm in
diameter. The eyelet area is also reinforced on both fragments with another layer of
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leather stitched into place on the inner side of the quarters. Overall, the leather used on
these quarters is approximately .2 cm thick, while the doubled leather portions are .3 cm
thick. The bottoms of the quarters still have the stitched, rolled under linings, which were
the attachment areas to the sole. There are also holes present to the inside of the stitch
lines, probably representing last tacks, which would make these shoes a McKay sewn
style. Number 928 has been folded over on itself, and is desiccated in this position
making measurements nearly impossible, but number 927 is still relatively flat. From the
top of the ankle, to the bottom of the heel on number 927 measures approximately 11. 4
cm, while from the back of the heel to the front of the vamp measures approximately 14.8
cm. Judging from the style and size of these quarters, they probably represent a lace-up,
ankle-high shoe or boot, of a medium sized man's or woman's shoe, of the early-
twentieth century.
Artifact number 1195 is a small piece of leather, with two copper lined eyelets,
each of which is approximately .5 cm in diameter. The leather is basically four sided, is .2
cm thick, and measures approximately 6.0 cm by 3.7 cm from each corner, diagonally. A
single stitch line is present, lining the two eyelets, and it may have once held another layer
of leather in place to reinforce the eyelets. As the fragment is so small, it is unknown
what type, gender, or age of shoe it is from, or even if it represents an ankle-high, or
normal cut shoe.
Finally, artifact number 924 is a piece of shoe leather which has the remains of
seven apparent eyelets, none of which are lined. Underneath each oval-shaped eyelet, are
two small perforations, of unknown purpose. Each eyelet varies in shape and size, but
they are approximately 1.0 cm x .5 cm, while the smaller perforations are approximately
less than .1 cm in diameter. The fragment measures approximately 10.3 cm by 5.6 cm, at
its maximums, and the leather is approximately .2 cm thick. Two parallel rows of doublestitch marks line the eyelets on either side, although there is no double layer of leather to
reinforce them. The eyelets are obviously some sort of shoe closure system, but it is not
known what kind. It does not appear that any metal lining was present in the eyelets
which may have popped out, and although the eyelets are stretched, it does not appear
that the stretching was caused by laces, as they would have been cut into much more. It
appears, then, that these eyelets were for a button-closure type shoe, and the direction of
the stretching probably indicates that this is the remains of the leg of a tall boot. Yet, the
smaller perforations underneath each eyelet cannot be explained. If this is the remains of
a tall, ankle-closure boot, then it is probably representative of a woman's boot of the latenineteenth, to the early-twentieth century.
Shoe Upper Vamp Fragment:
An entire brown leather vamp was recovered from the site. The vamp is
apparently from a right shoe, and shows evidence of lasting tacks, and stitching for its
attachment to the sole, indicating that it was constructed using the McKay sewed shoe
method. The vamp seems to match up quite well with the ankle quarters 927 and 928,
possibly indicating that all three of these pieces were originally from the same shoe. Two
parallel stitch marks cross the toe of the shoe, creating a false toe cap. From the right,
rear side of the vamp, to the tip of the toe section, measures approximately 14.0 cm,
while the vamp is approximately 9.2 cm wide; although it must be noted that the vamp is
crushed flat, and that this would not indicate the original width of the formed shoe. If this
vamp does indeed match with the ankle quarters, then it probably represents a woman's
lace-up, ankle-high boot or shoe, of ca. 1890-1920 (Swann, 1982: 58-59).
Adornment
Bead, Red Glass:
A single, red, transparent, glass, multi-faceted, drawn bead was recovered from the
site. The bead closely resembles Subtype If-q listed by Ross in his article on trade beads
from Fort Vancouver (1990: 38). This subtype is described as a "Bead(s) with Four
65
Rows of Facets." Ross goes on to state that, "These were manufactured by grinding four
rows of facets, consisting of two rows with a facet on each corner of each end and two
rows between the end rows and the molded sides." (1990: 38). This manufacturing
process produced a bead with seven sides, having a total of 35 flat surfaces. The bead
discovered from site ORBE2 has the same seven sides, yet differs in having more ground
facets, having a total of 32, making for 39 flat surfaces. The bead measures approximately
.52" in length, with a fairly consistent average width of approximately .54." This bead
could have decorated any number of items, and its manufacturing process is
representative of a manufacturing date ranging from anywhere between the early-
nineteenth century to the present.
Brass Name Tag Holder:
What appears to be a small, rectangular, brass name tag holder was recovered from
the site. The tag measures 1.7 cm by 4.9 cm, and is composed of two separate pieces of
brass which have been crimped together along the edges, with one end left open to allow a
slip of paper to be slid in. The back of the tag has a darkened stain which appears to be
the heat stain from where the pin was soldered on. To further confirm that this is the
remains of a tag, a small bit of paper is still present, and held in place along the crimp in
the open end.
Hat Pin:
A long hat pin was recovered from the site. In its present bent condition, the hat
pin is some 30.1 cm in length, yet when fully straightened, would probably extend to
more than 35 cm in length. The pin appears to be plated iron, and is a very narrow gauge,
only measuring some .1 cm in diameter. On one end, the pin is decorated with a circular
flower-like pod, which is made from some type of yellow metal. Within this pod are 18
further pods, each of which would have held a small faceted piece of crystal, of which,
only 11 are still present. Dating this piece is fairly difficult, as there are no markings on
it, and a multitude of hat pin styles existed around the turn-of-the-century, as is
evidenced by the many styles advertised in the Montgomery Wards and Sears and
Roebuck and Co. catalogs of the period. This particular one is also much longer than any
of those indicated in the catalogs. Even so, it is probably safe to assume that this hat pin
dates to ca. 1890- 1920.
Body Ritual and Grooming
Comb Fragment:
The broken remnants of a black plastic comb were recovered from the site. The
comb fragment is 6.7 cm long, and tapers from the break to the end, having a maximum
width of approximately 1.7 cm, tapering to 1.3 cm. There are 52 teeth present on the
fragment, with the end tooth being much thicker than the others. The teeth taper with the
comb, with the teeth in the wider portion of the comb being longer than at the narrower
portion, with a range from 1.2 cm to .7 cm. There are no markings on the comb, and since
it is plastic, its date range of manufacture can probably be assigned to the late-twentieth
century.
('tmmh T-Tnd1e
The remnants of what appears to be the handle of a yellow plastic comb were
recovered from the site. The handle is flat, with an ovaloid formed end, which is bent in
one direction approximately fifteen degrees away from center. No teeth exist on the comb
any longer, other than on the finished end nearest the handle. The handle is
approximately 5.3 cm long, is only .1 cm thick, and varies in width from 1.7 cm to .9 cm.
As the comb handle is made of plastic, it is assumed that the date of manufacture for it
can be assigned to the late-twentieth century.
r',A
Emery Board:
The remains of an iron-based emery board for manicuring finger nails was
recovered from the site. The board is 9.9 cm long, 1.2 cm wide, and is missing one end.
The complete end is slightly rounded, and this end has the only remains of the abrasive
sheeting which was apparently applied to both sides of the board. Such manicure emery
boards were apparently an early-to-mid-twentieth century invention, as they do not
appear in turn-of-the-century catalogs. Therefore, this emery board can probably be
dated to having a period of manufacture of the early-to-mid-twentieth century.
Mirror Glass Fragments:
There were a total of five pieces of mirror glass recovered from the site. Of these,
four are small fragments of flat minor glass, while one is a round piece with tapered edges
This round fragment displays an approximate diameter of 6.4 cm, with a center thickness
of approximately .2 cm. The last .6 cm of the outside perimeter of the minor tapers to a
near razor edge. Due to the size and shape of this mirror fragment, it is supposed that
this particular mirror was either a side rear view mirror from an early-twentieth century
automobile, or perhaps a personal mirror from an item such as a compact.
Medical and Health
Aspirin Case Lid:
Artifact number 1619 is a tin aspirin case lid. The lid is rectangular shaped with
rounded corners, and measures approximately 4.5 cm x 3.3 cm x .6 cm. The top of the lid
is enameled in white, with dark blue lettering which reads: "...GRAIN TABLETS /
ACETIDINE / EACH TABLET CONTAINS: / ACETPHE. IETIDIN / (Acetanind
.
Derivative) 0.1176 Gm / ACET. . . . SALICYLIC ACID 0.1764 Gm / CAFFE ...... 0.0294
Gm." No reference to a product called acetidine could be found, however it is assumed
that it was some type of pain relieving medication of the early-twentieth century.
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Oral Thermometer Fragment:
A single fragment to an oral thermometer was recovered from the site. The
thermometer fragment is graduated from "0" to "40" degrees (it is not known if this is in
Celsius or Fahrenheit), with large tick marks occurring at every five degrees, and a number
is also present on "20" degrees. The thermometer is composed of clear glass overall, with
black gradient markers and numbers, and a white background behind these. The white
portion is marked in cursive with, "rancisco," and "MADE / USA." These undoubtedly
correspond to San Francisco, and Made in USA. The approximate diameter of the
thermometer is .7 cm, and the fragment is approximately 3.3 cm long. This thermometer
is definitely of twentieth century manufacture, due to the precision of the markings and
the optical clarity of the glass, which denotes few impurities and no manganese; a trait of
post-WWI manufacture (Jones and Sullivan, 1989: 13).
Pastimes and Recreation
Bullet Jacket, .45 Cal. Colt Automatic, Fired:
One of the oddest artifacts recovered from the site is a brass bullet jacket to a .45
Cal. Colt Automatic pistol cartridge. It is not odd to recover such bullets from historic
sites, yet this particular bullet is composed of only the brass jacket, with its entire inner
cavity being empty, when it should be filled with lead. It is clear that the bullet was fired,
as the barrel rifling is present on the jacketing. Little distortion to the jacket is noted, and
the bottom crimping is intact, which means that the lead slug from within could not have
come out in a solid form. The only way the lead could have been removed without
distorting the crimping or the nose of the bullet, is for a high amount of heat to have been
applied to the bullet after it was fired. This means that the bullet was fired, recovered,
then heated for its lead content, which would have become molten before the brass jacket.
This artifact provides evidence for a strange series of events, with little explanation. It is
difficult to date a fired bullet, but being a .45 Cal. Colt Automatic, this bullet could not
have originated before 1905 when it was invented, and more than likely was manufactured
after 1911, when the cartridge was standardized by the U.S. Ordnance Department
(Barnes, 1965: 171).
Bullet, .45 Cal. Colt Automatic, Fired:
Another .45 Cal. Colt Automatic bullet, similar to the one mentioned above, was
recovered from the site. The only difference between the two is that this one has its lead
core still intact. It is clear that this bullet was fired also, due to the presence of the barrel
rifling on the brass jacket of the bullet. Again, little distortion is present on the bullet, and
it can be guessed that the bullets were fired at a soft target on the site, then fell into
context with the other artifacts.
Cartridge, Fired .22 Short Rimfire Shell Casing:
A single, fired .22 short rimfire shell casing was recovered from the site.
According to Barnes, this shell casing represents the oldest American, commercial, self-
contained, metallic cartridge (1965: 273). The cartridge was introduced in 1857 by Smith
& Wesson, and has been used as a target practice, small game, and self-defense round ever
since. The casing is marked with a "H" on its base, as well as having the firing pin mark
on the rim of its base. The "H" mark is the manufacturer's mark of the Winchester
Repeating Arms Company, of New Haven, Connecticut, however a date of manufacture
could not be arrived at (White and Munhall, 1963: 26).
Cartridges, Fired .22 Long Rimfire Casings:
A total of three fired .22 Long rimfire cartridge casings were recovered from the
site. First loaded in ca. 1871, this cartridge has been manufactured continuously ever
since (Barnes, 1965: 274). Two of these casings, artifact numbers 645 and 813 are
headstamped with at "P", which is attributed to the Peters Cartridge Company of Kings
Mills, Ohio, (1887-1934), or to their successors, the Peters Cartridge Division of
Remington Arms Co., Inc., of Bridgeport, Conn. (1934 - to date) (White and Munhall,
1963: 33, and Barber, 1987: 64, 82). The third case is headstamped with a "U", which
according to White and Munhall is the manufacturer's mark of all of the following: the
Union Metallic Cartridge Company (1867-1911), Remington Arms-Union Metallic
Cartridge Company (1911-1921), and Remington Arms Company, Inc. (1921-to date)
(1963: 37).
Cartridge, Unfired .22 WRF Rimfire Round:
A single unfired .22 Winchester Rim Fire round was recovered from the site.
According to Barnes, this round was introduced for the Winchester Model 1890 pump or
slide-action rifle (1965: 275). The base of the round is impressed with the headstamp
"US", which according to White and Munhall, is the manufacturer's mark of the United
States Cartridge Company of Lowell, Massachusetts (1963: 37). This allows for a
determinable date range of manufacture, as its production started sometime after 1890,
and the United States Cartridge Company stopped producing rimfire cartridges in 1926
(Barber, 1987: 51).
Cartridges, Fired .30 WCF Casings:
Three fired .30 Winchester Center Fire, or .30-30 Winchester, casings were
recovered from the site. The .30-30 Winchester, as it is now more popularly known, was
designed and marketed by Winchester in 1895, and "was the first American small bore,
smokeless powder sporting cartridge." (Barnes, 1965: 34). The three cartridge casings
have identical headstamps, which say, "WRA CO. I 30 W.C.F." This headstamp is the
manufacturer's mark of the Winchester Repeating Arms Company, of New Haven, CT,
although, no specific date ranges of manufacture for this specific headstamp could be
found.
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Cartridges, Fired .30-06 Casings:
A total of nine, fired, .30-06 casings were recovered from the site. The .30-06
round was the standard U.S. military issue from 1906 until sometime after the Korean
War, and it even served, in limited use, into Vietnam. The headstamps on these casings
indicate two different manufacturers, three different plants, and one year of manufacture.
Five of the casings are headstamped: "RA / H / 18". This is the manufacturer's mark of
Remington Arms Company, from their Hoboken, New Jersey plant, having been made in
1918 (Hackley, Woodin, and Scranton, 1978: 111). Two of the casings are headstamped:
"RA / 18", which is the manufacturer's mark of the Remington Arms Company again, but
this time from their Bridgeport, Connecticut plant, and again being made in 1918 (ibid.).
One of the casings is headstamped: "W.R.A. CO / 18", which is the manufacturer's mark
of the Winchester Repeating Arms Company of New Haven, Connecticut, being made in
1918 (ibid.). The final casing's headstamp has been obliterated, so it could not be
analyzed. All of these cartridges were manufactured for the military during World War I,
and were probably surplused and fired by civilians between the World Wars.
Cartridge, Unfired .25-2 1 Round:
A single, unfired, .25-21 Stevens cartridge was recovered from the site. This
cartridge was apparently developed about 1897, as a target and small game round (Barnes,
1965: 74). The cartridge is headstamped: "W.R.A. CO / 25-2 1", and also has a "W"
embossed within the primer. This is the manufacturer's mark of the Winchester
Repeating Arms Company of New Haven, CT, but it is not known if this marking is
representative of any particular date range of manufacture.
Cartridge, Unfired .25-35 Round:
A single, unfired .25-35 Winchester cartridge was recovered from the site.
According to Barnes, the .25-35 was developed by Winchester and introduced in 1895 for
the Model 94 lever action rifle (1965: 21). This particular round is headstamped:
"REM-TJIMC / 25-35", which is apparently representative of the Remington Arms -
Union Metallic Cartridge Company, of Bridgeport, CT. This headstamp allows for a
rather tight date range of manufacture, as it was only used after Remington Arms and
UMC combined in 1916, and was discontinued after a new merger occurred in 1920,
which created the Remington Arms Company, Inc. (Barber, 1987: 48).
Cartridge, Unfired .401 Winchester Round:
A single, unfired .401 Winchester cartridge was recovered from the site.
According to Barnes, the cartridge was introduced in 1910 by Winchester for their Model
10 autoloading rifle, and both the cartridge and rifle were discontinued in 1936, although
ammunition continued to be produced by some companies until after World War 11(1965:
100). The cartridge is headstamped with the following: "PETERS / .40 1". This is the
manufacturer's mark of either the Peters Cartridge Company, of Kings Mills OH (18871934), or of the Peters Cartridge Division of Remington Arms Company (1934-ca. 1962)
(Barber, 1987: 83).
Shell, 12 Gauge Shotgun Shell, Unfired:
A single unfired 12 gauge shotgun shell was recovered from the site. The base of
the shell is embossed with the following: "U.M.C. Co. / No. 12 / AR ......... This shell
was made by the Union Metallic Cartridge Company, of Bridgeport Connecticut. The
Union Metallic Cartridge Company was in operation from 1867 until about 1916, when it
merged with Remington Arms Company, and headstamps were changed to "REM-UMC"
(Barber, 1987: 48). Therefore, this shotgun shell was manufactured between ca. 18671916.
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Shell, 12 Gauge Shotgun Shell, Fired:
A single fired 12 gauge shotgun shell was also recovered from the site. The base of
the shell is embossed with the following: "WESTERN I MADE TN USA / No 12/
FIELD." This shell was manufactured by the Western Cartridge Company, of East
Alton, Illinois. The company apparently used the "WESTERN" headstamp from its
opening in 1902, and well into its merger with Winchester after 1931 (Barber, 1987: 86,
and White and Munhall, 1963: 207). It seems that the Winchester Western Division of
the Olin Mathieson Chemical Corporation used both the "WESTERN" and the "W.R.A."
markings simultaneously on different rounds until well after World War II (White and
Munhall, 1963: 207, 209). Therefore, it is nearly impossible to narrow a date range of
manufacture for this shot gun shell, other than saying it was produced some time between
ca. 1902 and the present.
Clay Marble:
A single white clay marble was recovered from the site. The marble has an
approximate diameter of 1.6 cm, and appears to have been hand formed. There are no
markings or manufacturer's marks present on the marble, yet, judging from the fact that it
is made of clay, it is probably of nineteenth century manufacture (Brauner, Personal
Communication). Even so, this marble is probably representative of an artifact which
was curated until the early-twentieth century, then lost, due to the date of the structure
on the site, and the dates of manufacture for most of the other artifacts recovered from the
site.
Doll's Porcelain Hand Fragment:
A single, unglazed, porcelain, broken, doll's hand fragment was recovered from the
site. The fragment consists of three fingers, which were molded together in a cupped
fashion. The porcelain is an off-white, and was obviously molded, due to the presence of
74
a mold line along the edge of the fingers. The longest finger is approximately 1.2 cm in
length, and the overall width of the fragment is approximately 1.1 cm. With no further
diagnostic details on the piece, it is almost impossible to date the manufacturing period of
this artifact.
Doll's Porcelain Head Fragments:
Four fragments of curved, off-white unglazed porcelain have been identified as
being the remains of a doll's head. Two of the fragments represent the right ear and the
right upper eye of the doll's head, while the remaining two fragments are identified as
belonging to the same doll's head only by their similarity of material, their gentle
curvatures, and their similarity in thickness. The ear piece extends towards the parietal
and temporal sections of the doll's head, with the entire ear being present. The ear
measures approximately 2.3 cm from top to bottom. Again, with no further diagnostic
details on these fragments, it is almost impossible to date the manufacturing period of this
doll, or judge how large it was, or whether or not its body was porcelain, or a stuffed
material.
Doll's Porcelain Foot Fragment:
A single, glazed, white porcelain doll's foot fragment was recovered from the site.
The foot extends up to the leg, and appears to reach up to the calf, and just below the
knee, where it was broken. The foot appears to be a right one, and was probably molded
due to the presence of mold marks running parallel up the leg portion. The foot is
relatively small, being some 1.4 cm in length, while from the breakage point above the
knee to the bottom of the foot, the fragment is approximately 2.3 cm in length. With no
further diagnostic details on this fragment, determining a date of manufacture, or what
type of doll or figurine this fragment represents is next to impossible.
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Harmonica:
The remains of a brass and wood harmonica were recovered from the site. It
appears that the harmonica can be termed a ten single hole, twenty reed type, and it is
composed of two brass plates, separated by small wood blocks. Most of the reeds are
missing, yet those that are present appear to be made of brass which were simply pinned
into position over the twenty reed slits, ten to each end plate. The harmonica is held
together by two small machine screws and nuts, on either side of the body. The
harmonica's dimensions are: 10.0 cm x 2.5 cm x .8 cm. Unfortunately, there are no
maker's marks or decorative details present on the harmonica. Even so, by the style of
the harmonica, and by the manufacturing style, it is probable that the date range of
manufacture for this instrument is the late-nineteenth century. A level of increasing
ornateness is noted in harmonicas advertised by Sears, Roebuck and Co. between 1897
and 1908, with this harmonica definitely resembling the earlier, more plain harmonicas in
style (Sears, Roebuck & Co., 1968: 527, Sears, Roebuck& Co., 1971: 245). It must also
be noted that the earliest patent date listed for these harmonicas in these advertisements is
1850.
Paint Brush Handle:
The handle to a very fine pointed paint brush was recovered from the site. The
handle is made from an iron tube, fifed into a brass sleeve with a small center perforation
on its otherwise closed end. The handle measures approximately 21.5 cm in length, has
an iron tube diameter of .5 cm, and a brass sleeve diameter of approximately .6 cm. The
iron tube measures approximately 17.1 cm in length, with the brass sleeve taking up the
remainder of the total length. This tube was created by rolling the iron, and sealing the
butt-seam with an unknown process. The brass sleeve has no such seams, and was
probably milled from a solid brass rod. A degraded layer of black paint is observed on the
iron tube portion of the handle, which extends down onto the brass sleeve for only about
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.8 cm, leaving the remainder of the sleeve bare and brass-colored. The diameter of the pinhole in the end of the sleeve is only about .15 cm, indicating that the hair bristles which it
once held were probably small, and few in number. Due to the level of machine finishing
which is present, and the style of the brush, the date range of manufacture for this brush
can probably be labeled as the early-twentieth century.
Plastic Dart
The remnants of a green plastic, and yellow-metal dart were recovered from the
site. The dart remnants consist of a green plastic tail-fin portion, with a weighted, yellow
metal projectile end. The pointed tip of the dart is missing, and presumably broken off
The dart measures approximately 6.8 cm long, while the yellow metal shaft portion is
approximately .6 cm in diameter. There are four individual tail fins, and the shaft has four
raised and roughened partitions encircling it, which were apparently added for a better
grip while throwing. One of the tail fins is marked with raised lettering, "MADE IN
ENGLAND". Due to the presence of the green plastic on the tail fins, it can be supposed
that the dart was manufactured in the late-twentieth century.
Plastic Puzzle Piece:
A piece of a dimensional plastic puzzle was recovered from the site. The puzzle
piece is made from a translucent green plastic, and is shaped like a three-dimensional,
open-ended rectangle, with winged extensions. The piece is similar to ones produced for
dimensional puzzles manufactured in the 1970s (Personal Observation).
Toy Alphabet Block:
A toy, wooden alphabet block was recovered from the site. The block has
roughly hewn squared edges, having the dimensions of: 3.2 cmx 3.2 cmx 3.1 cm. Every
side of the block is decorated with the following numeral or letters of the alphabet: "U / 8
/ H / B /Q/ D". The "U /8 / H / B" sequence is impressed into the wood and high-
77
lighted with black ink. The "D" and the "Q" are on opposite sides of the block, and both
are raised letters, with a raised border around them. The "D" and its border are in red,
with a white background, while the "Q" and its border are in blue, with a white
background. Such alphabet blocks seem to have caught on in America around the Civil
War (Fraser, 1972: 202). According to Fraser, during the late-nineteenth century,
"Alphabet blocks, either cut out, embossed or lithoed, were extraordinarily popular."
(ibid.). Blocks still remain as a childhood institution to this day, and because of this it is
fairly difficult to date this block, although it is probably from the early-twentieth century.
Toy Bowl Fragment:
A single fragment of a toy porcelain bowl was recovered from the site. The
fragment is essentially one-quarter of a bowl, from the base to the rim. The base has a
raised foot, and a concave center, while the rim is undecorated. A hand-painted decorative
image appears on the outer face of the body of the fragment, consisting of a song-bird
sitting on a branch, with four berry-like balls, and a single, five-petalled flower. The bird
and the flower are sloppily painted in yellow, with the paint extending outside of the
black-outlines of the figures. The berry-like balls are simply blue dots of paint, while the
branches are represented by black lines. From base to rim, the bowl fragment measures
approximately 2.4 cm, and the rim is only .2 cm thick. Using a bow compass, the bowl's
reconstructed diameter is approximately 6.0 cm. Determining a date range of manufacture
for this bowl is difficult. Ornately painted miniature place settings were available in
Europe as early as the seventeenth century, and they are certainly available today (Fraser,
1972: 76). Even so, this bowl was probably manufactured in the early-twentieth
century, due to its sloppy application of paint, which is probably representative of mass
production.
78
Toy Buckle:
A white plastic, toy buckle was recovered from the site. The buckle is basically a
double "D" type, with a large center bar with pronged belt catches, and two end bars, one
on either side. The buckle measures 2.5 cm x 1.5 cm, and has a single small perforation in
its center bar, with corroded iron within it, indicating the presence of an iron pin to attach
it to its belt. The exact type of toy which this buckle was originally designed for is
unknown; it could have come from anything from a cheap watch, to a doll. Yet, the use of
plastic as a material indicates that it was manufactured in the late-twentieth century.
Toy Dart Gun Dart
A yellow plastic dart gun dart was recovered from the site. The dart is
approximately 11.5 cm long, with a shaft that is roughly shaped like a "t", which is .9 cm
x .6 cm in width. Approximately 4.6 cm from the head of the dart, on one of the shorter
wings of the shaft, there is a 1 cm long triangular shaped notch, which is where the dart
gun's spring-loaded catch would lock the projectile in a firing position. The trigger
assembly would release this catch, which would allow the spring to decompress, firing the
dart from the gun. The head of the dart is made of a red rubber, which is shaped in a
concave "suction cup" form, which when fired correctly from its gun, would allow the
dart to stick to flat, smooth surfaces. This toy is definitely of late-twentieth century
manufacture.
Toy Frog's Head:
The remains of what appears to be a yellow, plastic, toy frog's head was
recovered from the site. The head appears to represent the top half of a frog's head, from
the mouth, up. The head is convex in form, has two raised eyes, two impressed nostrils,
and sits flat on its mouth plane where it apparently rotated upwards from behind when it
was complete. The back of the head has a projecting tab, which is probably where the
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head was hinged and rotated from the rest of the toy; and a center, square-shaped
projection appears to be the point where force was somehow applied to make the head
rotate backwards, as if the frog's mouth were opening. The diameter of the head is
approximately 4.4 cm, and the head sits about 3.0 cm tall. There are no markings or
decorative features on the toy. As this toy is made of plastic, it is probably
representative of late-twentieth century manufacture.
Toy Sad Iron:
A toy sad iron, modeled after a Mrs. Pott's style sad iron was recovered from the
site. The iron measures approximately 9.0 cm in lengTh, by 4.4 cm in width, and is
approximately 2.7 cm in thickness (see Figure 19). The iron weighs approximately 10
oz., and this is what the 1897 Sears and Roebuck catalog lists their, "Jewel Toy Sad
Iron," as weighing in at (1968: 99). The illustration for this model of toy iron (they
advertised three different toy sad irons in this particular catalog), displays a permanent
wood handle which attached at either end of the boat-shaped iron. The recovered iron,
however, displays two socket holes in its top-center portion, which is where a removable
wooden handle would have fit with a clamping lock-pin device (see Figure 19). The 1897
Sears catalog does list a toy sad iron with a removable handle, but its description says
that it weighed in at 12 oz. This disparity is probably either due to oxidation and
conservation procedures, or due to a variety of toy sad irons which were manufactured in
different sizes and weights, and were just not advertised in this particular catalog. While
the primary function of this artifact was probably as a toy, it is interesting to note that
the 1897 Sears and Roebuck catalog states of a third toy sad iron, the "Lace" style,
"While it is sometimes sold for a toy, it is a great favorite with the ladies for doing fine
work, such as laces, etc." (1968: 99).
i]
Toy Porcelain Tea Cup:
A single, fragmentary, white-glazed porcelain toy tea cup was recovered from the
site. The cup has a foot-ring, and a rudimentary handle which appears to have been
attached to the cup after the cup was molded. The cup measures 2.1 cm in height, with a
foot-ring diameter of 1.7 cm, and a rim diameter of 2.4 cm. The cup is undecorated, and
is not marked in any fashion. A date range of manufacture is difficult to estimate on this
artifact, as the ability to make miniature place settings with great detail was present in the
seventeenth century, and continues to this day (Fraser, 1972: 76). Even so, this cup is
probably representative of early-twentieth century manufacture, due to the undecorated,
whiteware style that it replicates.
Pocket Tools and Accessories
A single broken key head was recovered from the site. The key head appears to
be copper, is oval shaped, has a single perforation for a key ring, is patterned with a
roughened square pattern on both sides, and has a large "Y" embossed on one side. The
key could have been to any number of styles of locks, and the "Y" probably represents
the key maker's trade-mark, or perhaps the trademark of a piece of machinery which the
key may have operated.
Domestic Items
Under Sprague's functional classification system there are three sub-categories
listed under the heading Domestic Items. These sub-categories are further broken down
into types, with three types listed under the sub-category Furnishings, eight types under
Housewares and Appliances, and a further eight listed under Cleaning and Maintenance.
No new sub-categories were created with this typology, however, twelve new types were
added under the sub-category Housewares and Appliances (mostly under different types
of containers, and food), and one type was added under Cleaning and Maintenance. The
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sample is represented by the following sub-categories (in bold) with their types and the
corresponding number of artifacts: Furnishings: Furniture (2); Drapery, Rugs, Linen
and Dry Goods (1), and Decorative (24); Housewares and Appliances: Kitchen
Appliances (3), Culinary (2), Gustatory (4), Containers, Aluminum (3), Containers,
Glass Bottles and Jars (280), Glass Bottle and Jar Closures (25), Containers, Glass Bowls
(2), Containers, Glass Tumblers (7), Containers, Glass Cups (2), Containers, Enameled
Iron (2), Containers, Tinned Iron (64), Ceramic Flatware and Hollow Ware (164), Food
Wrapping Materials (5), Food (79), Portable Illumination (5), Portable Energy (4), and
Home Education, Information and Business (4); Cleaning and Maintenance: Cleaning
(2), Household Maintenance (7), Laundry (3), Sewing (8), Binding Materials (1), and Pet
Maintenance (4).
Furnishings
Furniture
Decorative Knob Pull Base:
What appears to be the base to a decorative knob pull was recovered from the site.
The base is made of brass sheet, which appears to be silver plated. The base is square
with rounded corners, and has eight rouletted "teeth" on each straight edge. The center is
raised and has a single circular perforation. The base measures approximately 3.7 cm x
3.7 cm, and the center perforation has a diameter of approximately .9 cm. An impressed
design consisting of two paralleling squares, turning into corner roundels is also present.
The larger of the two squares has a length of 2.3 cm, while the smaller has a length of 1.9
cm. A series of hashed lines exists between these two squares, at an opposing angle to
them on every side. At each corner of the larger square, there is a single impressed dot,
which extends through to the underside of the base, creating four raised dots on this side.
These dots were probably used to give friction to the surface to which the base was
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adhered to, so that it would not slip around its knob when in use. Due to the high level of
finish and decoration present on this artifact, and due to the style of the decoration on it,
the period of manufacture for it can probably be dated to the late-nineteenth century, and
into the early-twentieth century.
Drawer or Chest Handle:
An iron D-shaped handle, apparently for a drawer or chest, was recovered from
the site. The handle appears to have been cast, and is roughly 3.420" x 2.110". There is
no evidence of a decorative or protective coating, and the handle has been quite corroded.
There are no markings on the handle either, but it was decorated by having its pull-section
scalloped out towards the edge. The handle could have been manufactured anywhere
from the late-nineteenth century to the mid-twentieth century. It is interesting to note,
however, that it closely resembles a chest handle advertised in the 1897 Sears, Roebuck &
Co. catalog, which was advertised as being 3 1/2" (1968: 99).
Drapery, Rugs, Linen and Dry Goods
Artifact number 936 appears to be the remains of a Jacquard woven textile (Elaine
Pedersen, Personal Communication). The Jacquard Loom was invented by Joseph Marie
Jacquard in ca. 1805, and the invention greatly sped up production of woven textiles by
eliminating the need for a drawboy (the person whose responsibility it was to control the
pattern sheds during the weaving process) (Wilson, 1982: 61). The Jacquard Loom
essentially mechanized the process of creating a patterned weave through the use of a
rolled cylinder of cards. "First, the design was copied onto squared drafting paper. Then
a card was punched for each pick to show the warp to be raised; the number of cards
equaled the number of picks in one design repeat. The cards were laced together and place
on a cylinder. As the cylinder turned, each card was pressed against a set of horizontal
needles, each connected to a separated vertical hook that raised or lowered the warp it
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controlled." (Wilson, 1982: 63). This system had the further advantage that the cards
could be stored and reused whenever a particular pattern needed to be reused. The
process is similar to a player piano, or the punched card computer programming systems
of the early 1970's. According to Wilson, the Jacquard Loom was first used in America in
the 1820's (Wilson, 1982: 259), and its use in more mechanized fonns certainly lasted into
the early twentieth century.
This particular fragment is a two-toned brown piece, with a reversed color pattern
from one side to the other (what is dark brown on one side is light brown on the other,
and vice versa). The fragment is a surprisingly large one compared to the other textile
remains found in the collection, measuring approximately 36 cm x 23 cm in its largest
areas, however it is much degraded, with many convoluted edges with loose threads. One
edge of the fragment appears to be an original, unfinished edge, as it is quite straight. The
warp threads (the length-wise facing threads which were originally stretched between the
beams in the loom) are a light brown or tan, and the microscopic analysis indicated that
they are cotton.
The weft yarns are felted and are in two colors, a light brown and a dark brown.
The lighter colored yarn appears to be wool after a microscopic analysis. However, the
darker yarn failed to give any conclusive results as to a type of material after both a
microscopic analysis and three trials of burn tests. It can be suggested that this yarn is
either a much degraded wool, or a mix of two fibers which are confusing the results. The
fragment has an ends per inch count (warp threads) of 36, and a picks per inch count
(weft threads) of 18. The pattern on the fragment is repetitive in nature, being a series of
diamonds and leafy patterns in a loose "cross" pattern, similar to a doubled tree of life
pattern. With the surviving remnants of this fragment, it is difficult to say what
functional form this fragment originally had. Being ajacquard woven, felted textile, it is
most likely that this fragment is the remains of either a blanket, a rug, or curtains.
Figure 12. Remains of a Jacquard woven fabric recovered from Site ORBE2.
00
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Decorative Furnishings
Female Figurine:
A small, pedestaled, naked female figurine was recovered from the site. The
figurine is made of a cast yellow metal and is approximately 7.2 cm in height. The
figurine represents a naked woman, standing erect with an arched back, her head upright,
and arms apparently outstretched upwards (both arms are missing, but the right arm is
present up to the elbow). There are no markings on the figurine other than the cast mold
lines running up either side of the body. It is fairly difficult to date such a piece, but
judging from the heavy mold lines, it was probably mass produced by machine, which
probably means that it was manufactured in the early-twentieth century.
Olivella Shells:
Four Olivella, or Olivella biplicata shells were recovered from the site. All of the
shells are intact, with no drilled holes or culturally caused features being present. The
shells range in length from 2.1 cm to 2.6 cm, and appear to be fairly representative of
those recovered on the Oregon coast in the Oregon State University faunal comparative
collection. Due to the fact that these mollusks are ocean creatures, which are not
typically thought of as edible, they more than likely represent a trip to the beach where
they were collected to be displayed at home, until their eventual disposal.
Picture Hanging Bracket:
A small, stainless-steel picture hanging bracket was recovered from the site. The
bracket is a rectangular bar, approximately 3.6 cm in length and .5 cm in width, with a
single hooked projection protruding from the middle of one end. Judging from similar
examples, it can be supposed that this type of bracket was mounted to a wall using a
gummed-fabric strip which would have been mounted to the bar.
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Red Earthenware Planting Pot:
A fragmentary, circular, red earthenware planting pot was recovered from the site.
The pot tapers from the top to bottom, and there is a lipped edge around the body
approximately 3.7 cm down from the top edge. Overall, the pot stands approximately
12.1 cm high, with a base diameter of 10.9 cm, and a rim diameter of 16.5 cm. The center
of the base is perforated with a single 1.5 cm diameter hole, presumably to allow water
out of the pot, when watering plants within it. The pot is symmetrical, and has a smooth
finish, with no apparent throwing marks inside or out. In addition, the lipped edge is
very sharp, which all together probably means that the pot was molded, rather than
thrown. The pot definitely dates to the twentieth century, however it is not clear in what
decade production started for such molded redware pots.
Red Earthenware Planting Pot Fragments:
A total of 16 red earthenware planting pot fragments were recovered from the site.
Of these, nine were body fragments, four were lipped rim fragments, and three were base
fragments. One of these base fragments has a reconstructed base diameter of
approximately 6.0 cm. If the other dimensions of this pot remained the same as that
described above, it would have been almost exactly half the size of the other example. The
color, thickness, and diagnostic features of the remaining fragments indicate an identical
style of pot as was described above, with the four rim fragments displaying an identical
lipped edge as that above. The rest of the fragments are too fragmented to determine if
they go to the same pot or not, and with the existing fragments, an MNT of two red
earthenware pots of two distinct sizes can be determined from this assemblage.
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Housewares and Appliances
Kitchen Appliances
Three fragments of flat, clear, ribbed glass, which are apparently the remains of
refrigerator shelf glass, were recovered from the site. The glass is essentially ribbed on
both sides, one side having ribs approximately 1.0 cm apart, while the other side has ribs
that are less than .1 cm apart. The ribs run in the same direction on both sides of the
glass. Each of these fragments is approximately .290" thick at the top of each rib, while
only about .170" thick in between each of these ribs. These pieces of refrigerator shelf
glass are probably from a refrigerator of the early-to-mid twentieth century.
Culinary
Kitchen Knife Blade:
A stainless steel knife blade was recovered from the site. The blade has been
broken in across its width, and has three pronounced chips along its sharpened edge. The
remnants of the blade measures approximately 5.7 cm long, and is 1.4 cm wide at the
broken edge, tapering to a point on the other end. Along the top of the left side of the
blade (with the sharpened edge facing downwards), is a ground portion, leaving an
indented face, as well as the following (laser cut?) lettering, "CA 221 C / CASE XX
STAI. ..." This last word appears to be "STAINLESS", as the almost uncorroded
condition of the blade attests to. Due to the uncorroded condition of the blade, and the
apparently laser cut lettering on it, this knife blade was probably manufactured in the
late-twentieth century, probably post-1980.
Measuring Cup:
A single yellow plastic measuring cup was recovered from the site. The cup is
cylindrical, has a flared, concave foot ring which is wider that the most of the rest of the
88
cup, and two handles set on opposite sides of the cup. The cup has a rim diameter of 6.6
cm, it stands 8.1 cm tall, and has a foot-ring diameter of 6.3 cm. The outside surface of
one side of the cup is graduated from one to six ounces with raised molded characters and
lines. The bottom of the cup is imprinted in raised letters with the following, "MADE
IN UNITED STATES OF AMERICA". Judging from the fact that the cup is made of
yellow plastic, a date range of manufacture of ca. 1950-1970 can be assigned to it.
Gustatory
Table Fork:
A complete, corroded, four tined table fork was recovered from the site. The fork
measures some 18.4 cm long, while the tined scooping portion of the fork has a maximum
base width of 2.5 cm, tapering to a width of 1.5 cm. The two center tines are longer than
the end tines, having a length of 5.1 cm, while the end tines are 5.0 cm long. The shaft of
the fork has a width of approximately .5 cm, and gradually widens to an oval-ended form
with a maximum width of 2.5 cm. On the back of the shaft is impressed a manufacturer's
mark of, "ROYAL SILVER," with two small swords pointing at these words from either
side. The fork is apparently made of brass, and was silver-plated at one time. There is
probably no way to definitively date the period of manufacture of this fork due to the
multitude of styles put out during the late-nineteenth and twentieth centuries, but it
probably dates to the early-twentieth century due to its style.
Table Knife Handles:
Two identically styled wood and iron table knife handles were recovered from the
site. The handles are both quite degraded, with their iron plate centers being highly
corroded, and their wooden side plates being highly desiccated, with much cracking and
splintering. Number 425 has even separated down the middle, with the two wood side
plates pulling away from their iron center in a "V" shape. Artifact number 424 is slightly
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longer than 425, being 9.3 cm long, as opposed to 9.0 cm long. This extra length is
attributed to the remnants of the blade still being present on number 424. Number 424 is
also slightly wider, being 2.1 cm wide, rather than 1.9 cm, but this appears to be due to
the excess of corrosion present on the iron middle plate on this artifact. Artifact number
425 has a steel butt-plate, which is missing on number 424, although the impression of
the butt-plate is still present on the wood of this artifact. Judging from the pulled apart
remains of number 425, the handles were riveted together using three iron pins which
pierced all three portions of the handles. Determining a date range of manufacture for
these handles is quite difficult, as their degradation, and their multi-component
manufacture does not allow one to determine if they were hand-made, or machine made.
They are labeled as "table knives", but as their blades are missing, this is only a guess due
to their apparent high state of finish. If these knifes had sharpened blades and were handmade, then their date of manufacture can only be guessed at, and if they are table knives
which were machine-made, then they probably date to the late-nineteenth century, or the
early-twentieth century.
Table Spoon:
A slightly corroded table spoon was recovered from the site. The spoon measures
14.9 cm in overall length, with a shaft and handle length of 10.0 cm. The cupped holding
portion of the spoon is oval in form, and is 3.2 cm wide at its widest. The shaft of the
spoon is .4 cm wide, while the handle has a maximum width of 1.7 cm. The handle also
curves up at its tip, which is rounded. There are no markings on the spoon, which is
made of an unknown alloy which was apparently silver plated at one time. Defining a
definite period of manufacture for this spoon is fairly difficult due to the multitude of
styles which were present during the late-nineteenth and twentieth centuries, but it
probably dates to the early-twentieth century due to its style.
Containers, Aluminum
Pull Tab:
A single, removable, aluminum beverage can pull-tab was recovered from the site.
It is not discernible what type of beverage can the pull-tab came from, and there are no
markings on it. The pull-tab probably dates from ca.
opening was patented, to Ca.
1980,
1963,
when this type of can
when permanent pull-tabs were patented (Petroski,
1992: 199-201).
Pull Tab Beverage Cans:
Two pull tab beverage cans, one whole, the other partial, were recovered from the
site. The whole beverage can is a Hamm's Beer can produced by the Theodore Hamm
Brewing Co. The can is marked, "NET CONTENTS 15 FLUID OZS.," and is
approximately 6" in height, with a diameter of approximately 2 1/2." Starting from the
bottom of the can, it is decorated with a broad blue band approximately 1 3/4" in height,
followed by a gold band approximately 1/8" in height, followed by a white band which
varies in height, and is finished with a section of vertical gold and white bands. The
crimped lid is marked with the raised words, "HAMM'S / SF," and "HAMM'S," again
on the opposite side. This probably means that the can was produced and filled in San
Francisco, CA., one of Hamm's subsidiary brewery stations. It is also important to note
that the lid of the can is missing its pull-tab, and its tear-strip, which is probably
indicative of production before ca. 1980, when non-removable pull-tabs and tear strips
were patented (Petroski, 1992: 203).
The other aluminum beverage can is only partially represented by its crimped lid
and a small amount of the body, which has been cut through with a sharp utensil. The
can is marked, "ITOEN," in white letters on a black band, and a gold band is just
underneath all of this. The crimped lid is anodized in a gold color as well, and is engraved
with the instructions on how to open the pull-tab can: "1 LIFT TAB / 2 PULL
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FORWARD / 3 PUSH BACK." The oval-shaped tear strip is still present, but the pulltab is missing, having been apparently wrenched off This appears to be a non-removable
pull-tab design, which would be indicative of a post-1980 manufacture date.
Containers, Glass Bottles and Jars
There are a total of 278 glass artifacts which are representative of bottles and jars
identified in the collection. 23 of these are whole glass bottles andjars. All are organized
by their color, their form (bottle or jar), then by catalog number, if necessary. All
descriptive terms used were pulled from, The Parks Canada Glass Glossaiy, by Olive
Jones and Catherine Sullivan.
Amber, Body Fragments:
There are 45 amber glass fragments which appear to be body fragments to bottles
or jars. Forty-three of these are curved or rounded enough to indicate that they were part
of cylindrical based bottles originally. The remaining two appear to be body fragments to
square or rectangular based bottles with rounded corners. One of these, artifact number
630, is marked with lettering, yet there is not enough present to make a decipherable letter
or word.
Amber, Base Fragments:
Four of the amber glass fragments which were recovered are base fragments of
cylindrical based bottles. All four fragments are different enough to conclude that they
represent different bottles, and they provide the basis for a MNT (minimum number of
individuals) of four. One base, artifact number 634, displays the markings, '70R," along
the edge of the base and body, and it also displays an Owens suction and blow machine
scar. This scar is indicative of a date of manufacture of ca. 1904 - 1950 (Jones and
Sullivan, 1989: 39). Another base, artifact number 1254, displays no markings, but it
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also has an Owens suction and blow machine scar. Therefore, it too shares the same date
range of manufacture.
Amber, Neck Fragments:
There is only one amber glass neck fragment represented in this collection, and it
is the junction of the neck and shoulder of a cylindrical bottle. There are no markings or
mold seams present on the artifact, nor is there evidence as to the type of finish that it
had. Due to the lack of mold seams, it can be assumed that this neck fragment either
represents a hand-blown bottle, or a molded bottle that has been fire polished. The
former would probably date to the late-nineteenth century, while the later would date to
the early-twentieth century (Jones and Sullivan, 1989).
Amber, Neck and Finish Fragments:
The two amber glass neck and finish fragments are vastly different in form. The
first, artifact number 398, has a down tooled, internally threaded finish, and displays an
entire cylindrically tapered neck, ending with its juncture with a rounded shoulder. There
are two mold seams present on the neck, and the finish has been fire polished to obliterate
most of the mold seams on it. By the form and color which this fragment seems to
represent, it can be guessed that this is the remains of a hard alcohol bottle, and by the
mold seams present, and the internal threading that this was machine produced Ca. 1889
1926 (Jones and Sullivan, 1989: 39).
Artifact number 1256 has a crown finish with the remains of some of a cylindrical
neck as well. There are three mold seams present on the fragment, and there is no
evidence of fire polishing. The crown finish was patented in the United States in 1892,
and has remained popular ever since (Jones and Sullivan, 1989: 79). Therefore, this
fragment could have been manufactured anytime within that time period. By the form
and color of this piece it can be concluded that it is the remains of a beer bottle.
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Amber Bottles, Whole:
Six intact amber glass bottles were recovered from the site, with two of them being
retained by the contractors who excavated the site. The four that are housed in the
Department of Anthropology collections at Oregon State University will be described
first.
Artifact number 417 is an amber glass bottle, with a cylindrical base, sloped down
shoulders, cylindrical neck, and a crown finish. The bottle measures approximately 16.0
cm in height, has a base diameter of 6.2 cm, and a finish diameter of 2.5 cm. Both the base
and the finish are molded, and six different mold lines are observed on the bottle,
indicating a fairly complex manufacturing process, and a late date of manufacture. The
markings on the bottle confirm this, with an "1" surrounded by an oval on the bottom of
the body rim indicating that the bottle was manufactured by Owens Illinois Glass Co., in
Toledo, Ohio, Ca. 1954 to at least 1971 (Toulouse, 1971: 403). The bottle was probably
manufactured using a fully automatic bottle making machine and due to its form and color,
it can be inferred that its original contents were beer.
Artifact number 418 is an amber glass bottle, with a rectangular base with rounded
edges, sloped shoulders, a cylindrical neck, and a threaded finish with a tinned iron cap
still present. There is a thin white film on the inside of much of the bottle, and it is
apparently the remains of the original contents. The bottle measures 15.1 cm in height,
with a base length of 6.6 cm, a base width of 4.4 cm, and a finish diameter of
approximately 3.0 cm. The base and the finish are both molded, and there are three mold
seams present on the bottle, with a "ghost" seam on the base. The bottle is marked with a
21 and a 6 on either side of two perpendicular overlapping ovals on the base. These ovals
appear to be the manufacturing mark of the Olean Glass Co. (Works), of Olean, New
York, and would have been used between the dates of Ca. 1929-1942 (Toulouse, 1971:
400). The bottle was probably manufactured using a fully automatic machine, and by its
form and color, its original contents were probably some kind of medicine.
Artifact number 420 is an amber glass bottle, with a cylindrical base, sloped
shoulders, cylindrical tapered neck, and a down tooled lip with a string lip below it. The
bottle measures 30.4 cm in height, has a base diameter of 8.6 cm, and a finish diameter of
2.6 cm. The base and finish of the bottle are both molded, and four mold seams are
present on the bottle. The body of the bottle also displays two "ghost" seams, and the
base has an Owens scar. There are no further markings on the bottle. The Owens scar
indicates that the bottle was manufactured by a semi-automatic machine incorporating the
Owens suction and blow process. The Parks Canada Glass Glossary dates the range of
manufacture of such bottles from ca. 1904 - 1950 (Jones and Sullivan, 1989: 39). By the
bottle's form and color, it can be inferred that its original contents consisted of some form
of hard alcohol such as whiskey. With the dates of Prohibition from 1919 - 1933 limiting
the production of alcoholic beverages and their containers, it becomes likely then that this
bottle's date of manufacture can be even more localized to ca. 1904 - 1919, or ca. 1933 1950.
Artifact number 1255 is an amber glass bottle, with a cylindrical base, rounded
shoulders, a rounded neck, and a crown finish. The bottle measures 23.8 cm in height,
with a base diameter of 6.2 cm and a finish diameter of 2.5 cm. The base and the finish
are both molded, and the bottle displays four mold seams with an Owens scar present on
the base. The only markings on the bottle consists of a code, "R 200" placed over the
base mold seam. Due to the presence of the Owens scar, it can be said that this bottle
was manufactured by a semi-automatic machine incorporating the Owens suction and
blow process between Ca. 1904 - 1950 (Jones and Sullivan, 1989: 39). The form and
color of this bottle indicate that the original content of the bottle was probably beer, and
with prohibition of the sales of alcoholic beverages in the United States from 1919 - 1933,
Figure 13. Representative sample of cylindrically based, clear and amber colored bottles.
Figure 14. Representative sample of rectangularly based, clear and amber colored bottles.
one can once again narrow the probable date of manufacture of this bottle to Ca. 1904 1919, or Ca. 1933- 1950.
Artifact number A-2 is a bottle which was retained by the contractors, which is a
cylindrically based amber glass bottle, with sloped down shoulders, a cylindrical neck,
and a flanged lip. The bottle is approximately 7" tall (all measurements on items retained
by the contractors are very approximate, as they are taken from photographs with an inch
scale in the background), and 2 1/2" in base diameter. There are no estimates on the finish
diameter, or neck length. The bottle has the cursive word "Palmer" written in raised
letters in an angle across the body, which indicates that the bottle was probably molded.
The slightly off-centered neck, and applied finish also seem to indicate that this bottle
was hand blown into a mold and hand finished. Such hand-blown into a two part mold,
with separate bottom, bottles can usually be dated to the late-nineteenth and earlytwentieth centuries (Jones and Sullivan, 1989: 28). The Palmer trade-mark seems to be
that of the Palmer Drug Co., of Santa Cruz, California, and survived at least from 1857 to
1935, according to Fike, based upon the base-mark of the Whitall-Tatum Glass Co., who
made many of the bottles for the Palmer Drug Co. (1987: 112).
Artifact number A-9 is a bottle which was retained by the contractors, which is a
square based bottle with flat chamfered corners, four recessed body panels, sloped down
shoulders, a cylindrical neck, and a down tooled finish. The bottle is approximately 9"
tall, and is approximately 2 1/4" wide at the base. A mold mark is observed on one of the
flat corner chamfers, and appears to disappear mid-way up the neck. This indicates that
the bottle was probably hand-blown into a two-sided mold with a separate bottom,
indicating a probable date range of manufacture of the late-nineteenth to the early-
twentieth centuries (Jones and Sullivan, 1989: 28). Two of the recessed body panels are
marked with raised lettering. The first side is marked, ""ELECTRIC" BRAND /
BITTERS", while the opposite side reads, "H.E. BUCKLEN & CO. / CHICAGO, ILL."
Fike states that this product was produced as early as 1880, and was advertised as late as
97
1923 (1987: 33). Fike goes on to say that a paper label would have originally been
affixed to one of the unmarked panels, which read, "ELECTRIC BRAND BITTERS,
18% alcohol. The Great Family Remedy For all Diseases of the Stomach, Liver and
Kidneys. Guaranteed under the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906..." (ibid.).
Black, Body Fragment:
A single diminutive piece of black glass was recovered from the site. It appears to
be a curved body fragment ofajar or bottle, however, the two largest surfaces have been
eroded to the point where it is difficult to even tell if it is indeed glass, yet less what type
of container it may have come from.
Blue, Body Fragments:
Two fragments of blue colored, bottle body fragments were recovered. The smaller
of the two has no markings, is curved, and displays little else to give definition to its
original fonn. The other piece, however, is large enough to display a flat panel and two
rounded corners, with lettering present on the flat panel portion. The only discernible
letter is an "H." This piece is more than likely the remains of a square or rectangular
based bottle with rounded corners, and with the blue color, this probably represents a
medicinal bottle of some kind.
Clear, Body Fragments:
There are 148 clear glass body fragments of either bottles or jars represented in
this collection. One-hundred-thirty-six of these were originally part of cylindrical based
bottles or jars. Of these, only three displayed markings. Artifact number 62 displays
several indecipherable letters, with one letter either being a "W," or an "N." There are no
other distinguishable markings, and it is impossible to date this fragment, or tell what
type of manufacture it displays in its current state. Artifact number 390 has the clearly
legible impressed words, "ONE QUART," curved over a depressed circle. Typically,
98
such markings were found on Mason style jars, however, this fragment appears to
display a sloped shoulder portion of a bottle. There are no mold marks, or any other
distinguishing markings on the fragment, and it cannot be definitively dated or identified
as to its exact function. Finally, artifact number 1055 displays the number "10," which is
probably a bottle manufacturer, bottling run, identifying number. However, without a
maker's mark, or even mold seams present, it is impossible to say anything else about this
fragment.
The remaining 12 clear glass body fragments are all body panels to square or
rectangular bottles. Ten of these are recessed body panels, while the other two are do not
have enough features to say whether or not they were flat sided, or recessed body panels.
One of the recessed panel fragments, artifact number 71, has the lettering, "Rex," in a
cursive style within the recessed panel. There was a Rex Bitters Co., based in Chicago,
Illinois, and Fike found that the company's advertisements could be found from April 22,
1909
1916 (Fike, 1987: 40). Certainly the company could have been open before and
after the first and last advertisement dates, but it is probably not likely that it existed too
far outside of these temporal boundaries, and this fragment can probably be dated fairly
reliably by these dates.
Clear, Base Fragments:
There are 14 clear base fragments to either bottles orjars. Of these 14, five are
fragments to cylindrically based vessels, seven are bases to rectangular based vessels with
curved or flat chamfered corners, and two are ovoid bases. All but one of the cylindrically
based fragments have embossed lettering on them. This solitary unembossed cylindrical
bottle base has the remains of two mold marks on it. The fragment is the remains of the
curve separating the body from the base, and the remains of a body mold mark, and a base
mold mark are present; with the body mold mark abutting the base mold mark. More
than likely, these mold marks represent a vessel which was made by a machine, with at
least a three piece mold. There are no other diagnostic details present on the fragment,
and it is too small to obtain an estimated diameter.
Artifact number 206 is embossed with the following letters, "SKE... / AND..."
with the "S" and the "A" back-to-back, and inverse of each other. There are no other
defining features, and with just these letters, the embossing is indecipherable. Likewise,
artifact number 371 has only two decipherable letters, "G' C...." Again, there are no
other defining features, and this label is completely unidentifiable.
The final cylindrical base fragment is artifact number 568, which is embossed in a
circular pattern with, "WF & S I Kit MIL." The base diameter appears to have been
approximately 8.1 cm. There are two mold seams present on this fragment, and the
lettering is the maker's mark for William Franzen & Son, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with a
date of manufacture range from ca. 1900- 1929 (Toulouse, 1971: 536). It is most likely
the remains of a cylindrical bottle, however the original contents can only be guessed at.
Out of the seven rectangularly based bottle base fragments, two are too
fragmentary to provide any defining features as to their manufacturer or date of
manufacture range. Four of the remaining five at least have some defining features present
on them.
To begin with, artifact number 48 is embossed on its base with the code, "W 9."
This is probably the bottling run code, and this gives no temporal or functional
information without knowledge of the bottle manufacturer. The base width of the
fragment is approximately 2.4 cm, and the base length is now 4.5 cm, although one of
these edges is fractured, so this does not display its original length. Only one mold seam
is present around the edge of the base, and it can be said that this bottle was definitely
molded.
Artifact number 65 is embossed on its base with the numeric code, "856." Once
again, there is no evidence of a bottle manufacturer's mark. The fragment measures
approximately 3.3 cm in base width, and the length edges are too fragmentary to obtain an
jI
accurate measurement from. One mold seam is present, again along the edge of the base,
and about the only cefinitive thing which can be said about this bottle is that it was
molded.
Artifact number 392 is a rectangular base which co-joins with two body
fragments, and is embossed on its base with the numeric code, "S 108." No bottle
manufacturer's mark can be found on the fragment, and only one mold seam is present.
The two body fragments show that the bottle had two recessed panels. The base
measures approximately 4.9 cm in length, and 2.5 cm in width, and the longest body
fragment measures some 10.4 cm from the base to the top of its fractured edge.
Artifact number 1068 has enough fragmentary body portions to show that it was
a rectangularly based bottle with flat chamfered corners, and three recessed body panels.
The fragment is embossed with a "6" or a "9" in a circle on the base; and with the word,
"...., KENTUCKY," on one of the recessed body panels. The base measures
approximately 6.1 cm in length, and 3.3 cm in width. There are three mold seams present
on the fragment, and the bottle was definitely molded.
These four artifacts are too fragmentary to positively identify any further, but
more than likely, they represent the bases of clear, rectangularly based medicinal bottles
of the early-twentieth century.
The fifth rectangular base fragment is actually a base with all four body panels
represented, with all of the neck and most of the shoulder fractured away. The fragment
represents a clear rectangular bottle, with flat chamfered corners, and no recessed body
panels. Interestingly, the bottle fragment was also recovered with a cork closure within it,
although there is no way to definitely say that it came from the finish of this bottle. The
base of this fragment measures some 4.7 cm in length by 1.9 cm in width. The apparent
height of the body is approximately 10.2 cm. The fragment displays three mold seams, as
well as an Owens scar extending from the base, up the edges of one of the body panels.
The bottle remnant is embossed on one body panel with the lettering, "FOLGER'S
I01
Golden Gate FLAVORING." To supplement this embossing, the remnants of a paper
label are still surprisingly adhered to the opposite body panel. The label is red, with
white and black lettering, most of which is now illegible. The only legible lettering
appears on the bottom of the label, is in black, and is the word, "Francisco." It is
supposed that this represents the second half of the city name of San Francisco, to go
along with the, "Golden Gate," motif. The Owens scar on this bottle indicates that it was
probably manufactured between ca. 1904 - 1950 (Jones and Sullivan, 1989: 39).
The two ovoid base fragments shed little light as to any definite bottle
manufacturers. Artifact number 85 measures approximately 5.5 cm in length and 2.2 cm
in width. The fragment displays three mold seams, with an Owens scar on the base. The
only embossed marking on the artifact is the numeric code, "6" on the base. The Owens
scar indicates that this bottle was manufactured between Ca. 1904 - 1950.
Artifact number 339 measures some 4.5 cm in length by 2.2 cm in width. The
fragment displays three mold seams, and was definitely molded. Embossed lettering is
present with the words, "SHELDON," and, "...TRACT CO. / WASH.," appearing on the
base and a body panel respectively. Interestingly, I could not find a reference to the
word, "SHELDON," being used as a manufacturer's mark, yet that does not mean that it
is a manufacturer's mark. Even more interestingly, Fike (1987: 137), lists a "Dr.
Sheldon's Magnetic Liniment," which was made in Boston, Massachusetts.
Unfortunately, the embossed lettering of, "WASH.," can be supposed to be
representative of the state of Washington, not Massachusetts. More than likely then,
these two ovoid bases probably represent medicinal bottles manufactured in the earlytwentieth century again.
Clear, Finish Fragments:
There are 12 clear bottle or jar finishes in the collection. Out of these, six are
apparently jar finish fragments. Two of these, artifact numbers 1051 and 1064 are jar
102
finishes with a flattened string lip feature, with no threading. Both are molded, and
probably date to the late-nineteenth, or early-twentieth centuries. Three other fragments
are threaded finishes, two having been just molded, and one having been molded with a
ground up. The ground fragment, artifact number 378, has been rough ground, leaving
behind the tell-tale grayish-white frosting on the lip. This type of grinding was usually
undertaken to flatten the lip, or prepare it for contact with specialized closures (Jones and
Sullivan, 1989: 40). The final jar finish fragment is really the juncture of a horizontal
shoulder and finish, with no evidence as to what type of finish was originally present,
however it resembles the shoulder/finish juncture present on artifacts 1051 and 1064.
The remaining six finish fragments are the remains of clear bottles. Three of these
are crown type finishes, all having been molded, with only one, artifact number 744,
showing three complete mold seams. Of the other two, one is too fragmentary to show
evidence of mold seams, while the other, artifact number 871, shows two mold seams on
its tapering cylindrical neck. This neck also shows evidence of fire polishing on the finish
portion. The diameter of the finish on both of these artifacts is approximately 2.6 cm,
while their finish heights are 2.8 cm for number 744, and 2.7 cm for number 871. Artifact
number 45 was too fragmentary from which to obtain any useful or accurate
measurements from. These three fragments were manufactured anywhere between ca.
1892 to the present, while artifact number 871, with the evidence of fire polishing
probably being manufacture before ca. 1920 (Jones and Sullivan, 1989: 163).
Artifact number 70 represents the remains of a small, square based bottle with
rounded edges, a cylindrical neck and a prescription lip. The neck and finish height is
approximately 2.5 cm, with the lip being approximately .5 cm in height, with an outside
diameter of 2.0 cm. The body appears to have been about 3.0 cm wide. Two mold seams
appear on the shoulders, and the neck and finish have been fire polished to remove these.
Due to the form and color of this fragment, it can be interpreted as being the remains of a
03
small medicine bottle of the late-nineteenth century or the early-twentieth century (Jones
and Sullivan, 1989: 81).
Artifact number 401 displays a two-part finish with a flanged lip, a cylindrical
neck, and a scooped neck. Although very little of the body remains, it appears that it was
roughly a rectangle shape. The neck to finish height is approximately 4.1 cm, while the
finish itself is only 1.2 cm in height. The diameter of the finish is approximately 2.6 cm,
and there is not enough of the body remaining to get an accurate estimate as to its
dimensions. Two mold seams appear on the shoulder, however, the neck and finish have
been fire-polished to remove such evidence. Although according to Jones and Sullivan
(1989), flanged lips were common on medicine vials throughout the eighteenth and
nineteenth centuries, this fragment probably represents the remains of a small medicine
bottle of the late-nineteenth, early-twentieth centuries, due to its molded and firepolished form of manufacture.
Clear, Neck Fragments:
There are three clear bottle neck fragments in the collection. All three seem to
represent cylindrical, tapered bottle necks, and none have mold seams. This does not
mean that they were not all molded, however, as two are too fragmentary to tell, while
one, artifact number 75, may be a hand formed neck, or a molded neck which has been fire
polished to remove the mold marks.
Clear Bottles, Whole
There were 19 whole, clear bottles recovered from the site, all basically being of
late-nineteenth to early-twentieth century manufacture, yet showing a diversity of
probable original contents.
Artifact number 405 is a clear glass bottle, with a cylindrical base, champagne
style shoulder, a tapered neck, and crown finish. The bottle measures approximately 25.7
104
cm in height, with a base diameter of approximately 7.0 cm, and a finish diameter of 2.5
cm. Both the base and the finish are molded, with three mold seams being present on the
bottle, and evidence of fire-polishing on the finish. There are no markings on the bottle to
aid in identification of the bottle manufacturer or date of manufacture, however; it can be
noted that the bottle displays a slight purplish tint to it, which probably indicates the
presence of Manganese. Manganese was known as the, "glassmaker's soap," and was
used to overcome the green and yellow tints created by the presence of iron oxides (Jones
and Sullivan, 1989: 13). Fortunately for those trying to date bottle glass, Manganese also
turns purple after prolonged exposure to sunlight, and its usage in glass was all but
eliminated during and after World War I. For these reasons, the date range of manufacture
for this particular bottle is probably Ca. 1893 - 1918.
Artifact number 406 is a clear glass bottle, with a cylindrical base, sloped down
shoulders, a tapered, cylindrical neck, and a crown finish. The bottle has an overall height
of approximately 24.3 cm, a base diameter of 6.3 cm, and a finish diameter of 2.6 cm. The
base and finish are both molded, and the finish has been fire polished. There are three
mold seams on the bottle, and it is marked on the base with an interconnected, "AB,"
with the code B3 underneath. There is also a numeric code of, "7-8" running along the
edge of the base and body. The embossed "AB" is the manufacturer's mark of the
Adoiphus Busch Glass Manufacturing Co., manufactured in either Belleville, Illinois, or
St. Louis, Missouri between Ca. 1904- 1907 (Toulouse, 1971: 26). This is the same
Adolphus Busch of Anheiser-Busch Beer fame, and interestingly enough, he produced
many of the bottles for his own beer, as well as bottles for mineral water companies. Due
to the clear color of this bottle, it can be assumed that it was produced to hold mineral
water (Toulouse, 1971: 26).
Artifact number 408 is a cylindrically based clear bottle, with sloped down
shoulders, a rounded neck, and a crown finish. The bottle measures approximately 23.7
cm in height, with a base diameter of 6.3 cm, and a finish diameter of 2.6 cm. The bottle
displays a molded base and finish, with the finish having been fire-polished. There are
four mold seams present on the bottle, as well as base markings of an interconnected,
"AB," underneath of which is the code, "P 12." Once again, the markings indicate that
the bottle was made by the Adoiphus Busch Glass Manufacturing Co., having been
manufactured in either Belleville, Illinois, or St. Louis Missouri, between Ca. 1904 1907
(Toulouse, 1971: 26). Like artifact number 406, this bottle was probably produced on a
semi-automatic machine, and was probably manufactured to hold a beverage like mineral
water.
Artifact number 409 is a rectangularly based clear bottle, with rounded corners,
two recessed body panels, a cylindrically ringed neck, a screw-on finish, and a drip bore.
The overall height of the bottle is approximately 15.3 cm, with a base length of 4.7 cm, a
base width of 2.5 cm, and a finish diameter of 1.8 cm. There are four mold seams present
on the bottle, one "ghost" seam on the base, and both the base and finish are molded. The
only marking on the bottle is the alpha-numeric code of, "10K 1009" on the base. The
bottle manufacturer is unknown, although it can be said that the bottle was probably
made by a semi-automatic machine between Ca. 1889 - 1926 (Jones and Sullivan, 1989:
39). By the form and color of the bottle, it can also be inferred that the original contents
were probably medicinal in nature.
Artifact number 410 is a rectangularly based clear bottle, with rounded corners,
four recessed panels, a cylindrically ringed neck, and a Perry Davis style finish. The
bottle measures approximately 14.7 cm in overall height, with a base length of 4.8 cm, a
base width of 2.5 cm, and a finish diameter of 1.8 cm. Both the finish and the base are
molded, and the finish has been fire polished. The bottle displays three mold seams, as
well as the following markings on the narrow edged, recessed body panels: "DR. S.
PITCHER'S," on one side, and "CASTORIA," on the other. According to Fike, (1987:
177), Dr. Samuel Pitcher of Barnstable, Massachusetts received patent number 77,758 in
1868 for this castor oil. However, it was not labeled as a castoria until 1871, when
Charles H. Fletcher, a representative for Demas S. Barnes, purchased the formula. It
continued to be labeled as Pitcher's Castona under the ownership of Barnes, and later
under Fletcher himself Fletcher created the Centaur Liniment Company in 1877, and
owned it until his death in 1922. The products were then produced by Sterling Products,
and Pitcher's Castoria was still being advertised as late as 1948 (Fike, 1987: 177). This
dates the bottle anywhere from ca. 1871 - 1948, however, the mold marks seem to
represent a machine blown bottle, and the fire polishing is representative of early
machine-blown bottles. This creates a more refined date range of ca. 1890 - 1920.
Interestingly, artifact number 411 represents the same form as number 410, and
undoubtedly held the same basic original product. The bottle is made of clear glass,
having a rectangular base with rounded corners, four recessed body panels, a cylindrical
neck, and a Perry Davis style finish. The bottle measures 14.8 cm in height, with a base
length of 4.9 cm, a base width of 2.5 cm, and a finish diameter of 1.9 cm. There are three
mold seams on the bottle, and both the base and finish have been molded, with the finish
having been fire-polished. The bottle is marked on the two smaller recessed body panels
with, "Chas H. Fletcher's" in cursive on one, and "CASTORIA," on the other. As
mentioned above, Chas H. Fletcher was the owner of Centaur Liniment Company
between 1877 1922. The concoction was certainly nearly identical to that marked with,
"DR S. PITCHER'S," although Centaur did not start embossing his bottles with the,
"Fletcher" name until the early 1890s (Fike, 1987: 162). Fike (1987: 162), also notes
that the Fletcher style bottle was marked with a paper label which identified the contents
within as, "....a vegetable preparation for assimulating the food and regulating stomach
and bowels of infants and children." Fletcher's Castoria was apparently advertised as late
as 1985 (Fike, 1987: 162), however, the form and manufacturing marks on this bottle
seem to indicate that it was probably manufactured by a machine-blown process Ca. 1890
- 1920.
07
Artifact number 412 is a clear glass bottle, which is square based with flat
chamfered corners, two recessed body panels, sloped shoulders, a bulged neck, and a
prescription neck. The bottle measures some 22.3 cm in overall height, with a base width
of 6.6 cm, and a finish diameter of 3.3 cm. There are three mold seams present on the
bottle, and the base has been molded while the finish has been hand applied. The bottle
displays interesting embossing on the recessed body panels, consisting of, "PREPARED
BY / DR PETER FAHRNEY & SONS CO. / CHICAGO. ILL. U.S.A." on one panel,
and "Farni's Alpenkrauter Blutbeleber" on the other. "Alpenkrauter Blutbeleber" is a
German phrase, which loosely translated means, "alpine herbal blood stimulator," or,
"alpine herbs which are good for the blood." Fike (1987: 59), states that, "Dr. Peter
Fahmey, Chicago, began bottling the Blood Clenser & Vitalizing Pancea in the late I 860s,
and by the late I 880s had simplified the name to Blood Panacea." Fike also states that
possibly all of the embossed bottles made for Fahrney were probably manufactured after
1900 (Fike, 1987: 59). However, the presence of the hand applied finish and the twisting
of the glass on the neck seems to indicate that the bottle was hand blown into a three
piece mold, then hand finished. Such manufacturing processes, although not impossible
to find during the era, can probably be dated to Ca. 1850 to the mid 1920's (Jones and
Sullivan, 1989: 28). Therefore, it would probably be safe to date the manufacture of this
bottletoca. 1900- 1920.
Artifact number 413 is a clear glass bottle, with a rectangular base, flat chamfered
corners, two recessed body panels, sloped shoulders, a cylindrical neck, and a patent lip.
The bottle measures approximately 9.9 cm in overall height, with a base length of 3.7 cm,
a base width of 1.7 cm, and a finish diameter of 1.8 cm. Both the base and finish are
molded, with the finish having been fire polished, and the bottle displays three mold
seams. The bottle is marked with, "TI-IREE IN ONE," and, "3 \ IN \ ONE OIL CO." on
the recessed body panels, and with a, "P" over a 26, all over a "P" in an oval on the base.
The "P" within the oval appears to be the trademark for the Standard Glass Works of
108
Wellsburn, West Virginia, with a date of manufacture range from ca. 1892 -1900
(Toulouse, 1971: 409). This date range certainly fits the style of manufacture, as the
bottle was apparently machine blown in a three piece mold, then fire-polished on the neck
and finish, which would have been a popular method from ca. 1890 - 1920.
Artifact number 414 is a clear glass bottle, with a kidney shaped base, sloped
down shoulders, a cylindrical neck, and a flanged lip. The overall height of the bottle is
17.3 cm, with a base length of 6.7 cm, a base width of 4.0 cm, and a finish diameter of 3.0
cm. The finish has been hand applied, while the base has been molded, and three mold
seams appear on the bottle. There are no markings on the bottle, and the only datable
information present on the bottle is the evidence of its type of manufacture. The hand
applied finish, along with the twisting of the glass around the neck, and the three mold
seams all show that this bottle was hand blown into a three piece mold, then the finish
was applied. Jones and Sullivan (1989: 28), state that such bottles should probably be
dated to Ca. 1850 - 1920, and it should be safe to date this bottle's period of manufacture
to that range.
Artifact number 415 is a clear based bottle, with a rectangular base, chamfered
corners, four recessed body panels, sloped down shoulders, a cylindrical neck with one
neck ring, and a patent lip. The bottle measures approximately 12.4 cm in overall height,
with a base length of 4.6 cm, a base width of 3.4 cm, and a finish diameter of 2.1 cm. The
base and finish are both molded, with the finish having been fire-polished. The bottle
displays three mold seams, and an Owens scar on the base. The bottle is marked on one
of its recessed body panels with the embossed lettering, "SPERM SEWING MACHINE
OIL." The "SPERM" is clearly in reference to Sperm Whale oil, and this makes the bottle
an interesting representation of the all-but-now-deceased whaling industry. Based upon
the Owens scar, it can be said that the bottle was manufactured with an Owens suctionand-blow process machine, probably between Ca. 1904 - 1950 (Jones and Sullivan, 1989:
39).
109
Artifact number 419 is a clear glass bottle, with a rectangular base, flat chamfered
edges, one recessed body panel, sloped shoulders, a cylindrically tapering neck, and a
Perry Davis style finish. The bottle is partially broken, missing most of a shoulder and
some of the body on one panel, yet, interestingly, when recovered, had a desiccated cork
within. The bottle measures some 21.3 cm in overall height, with a base length of 7.5 cm,
a base width of 4.2 cm, and a finish diameter of 2.8 cm. Both the finish and the base are
molded, and the bottle displays three mold seams, with one "ghost" seam on the body.
The bottle is marked on the recessed body panel with a horizontal, "TRIAL MARK,"
placed over the top of a vertically read, "WATKINS." The base is also marked with an
"I" within a diamond, which according to Toulouse (1971: 264), is the maker's mark for
the Illinois Glass Co. of Alton, Ill., with a date of manufacture range of ca. 1916 - 1929.
According to Fike (1987: 185), a paper label would have been adhered to the opposite
side of the embossing which would have read, "WATKINS STOCK DIP FOR KILLING
Lice, Ticks, Mites and Vermin. For Preventing and Curing Mange, Scab and Itch. For
Disinfecting and Purifying Poultry Houses, Pig Sties, Cattle Sheds, Stables, Dwellings,
Sick Rooms, Water Closets, Sinks, Sewers, Etc..." The product was marketed by the J.
R. Watkins Medical Co., which was established in Plainview, Minnesota in 1868, then
moved to Winona, Minnesota in 1885 (Fike, 1987: 82). As a side note, the firm was still
operating as late as 1986.
Artifact number 1133 is a small, clear glass bottle, with an ovoid base, sloped
down shoulders, a cylindrical neck with one neck ring, and a screw finish. The bottle only
measures 7.7 cm in overall height, with a base length of 3.8 cm, a base width of 2.0 cm,
and a finish diameter of 1.3 cm. The whole bottle has been molded, and four mold seams
appear on the bottle, as well as an Owens scar on the base. The only marking on the
bottle is the embossed word, "drene" on the base of the bottle. No reference to this
strange word could be found, and it is not a bottle manufacturer's mark which could be
identified in any of the sources cited. Due to the size and form of the bottle, as well as
110
the embossed word on the base, it seems that the original contents of the bottle was
probably some sort of perfume. The Owens scar on the base shows that the bottle was
manufactured by an Owens suction-and-blow machine, between the years ca. 1904 - 1950
(Jones and Sullivan, 1988: 39).
The final clear glass bottle which was recovered and kept by the Department of
Anthropology at Oregon State University is artifact number 1282. The bottle displays a
rectangular base with rounded corners, sloped down shoulders, a cylindrical neck, and a
threaded finish. The bottle still has a black plastic cap on it, as well as a dried ambercolored film covering much of its interior, which can be assumed to be the remains of the
original contents of the bottle. The overall height of the bottle is 12.5 cm, with a base
length of 4.8 cm, a base width of 3.1 cm, and a finish diameter of 2.5 cm. The bottle is
molded, and it displays four mold seams, as well as an Owens scar on the base. Markings
consist of embossed graduations on one of the body panels, in both ounces and in cc's, as
well as a, "3 OZ." over the graduations. The base is marked with the word, "ILLINOIS,"
on top of a "5 I 6," with the I being within a diamond, inside of an oval. These markings
are the manufacturer's mark for the Owens Illinois Glass Co., of Toledo, Ohio, with a
date of manufacture range of ca. 1929 - 1954 (Toulouse, 1971: 403). These dates
coincide nicely with the Owens suction-and-blow machine date of manufacture range of
Ca. 1904 -1950. Of the original contents of the bottle, it can be said that they were more
than likely medicinal in nature.
The remaining, intact, clear bottles were all retained by the contractors, and are
only represented by photographs, so their dimensions are approximate. Artifact number
A-3 has a rectangular base with flat, chamfered corners, four recessed body panels, sloped
down shoulders, a cylindrical neck, and a patent lip finish. The bottle is approximately
8" long, and has a base that is approximately 2 2/3" long, by 1 2/3" wide. A mold line is
observed on two of the flat chamfered corners, and seems to disappear along the neck,
probably indicating that this bottle was hand-blown into a two piece body mold with a
separate bottom in the late-nineteenth or early twentieth centuries (Jones and Sullivan,
1989: 28). The two smaller recessed body panels are marked with raised lettering,
reading, "L.M. GREEN PROC.", on one side, and "WOODBURY N.J.", on the other. A
similar bottle with a paper label on one of the open body panels is noted by Fike as
saying, "Dr. A. BOSCHEE'S SYRUP OF TAR AND WILD CHERRY COMPOUNDFor Coughs, Due to Colds. Soothes the Throat, Promotes Expectoration. G.G. Green,
Inc., Sole Manufacturer, Woodbury, N.J., U.S.A. PROPRIETOR, L.M. GREEN,
Woodbury, N.J." (1987: 164). Fike goes on to say that Lewis M. Green, MD, of
Baltimore, MD, established a wholesale drug business in 1866, and a manufactory in
Woodbury, N.J. in 1870 or 1871 (ibid.: 224). Several of his products were apparently
advertised and sold as late as the 1930s-1940s.
Artifact number A-4 has a rectangular base with flat chamfered corners, four
recessed body panels, sloped down shoulders, a cylindrical neck, and a Perry Davis
finish. The bottle is approximately 6 1/2" long, and has a base length of approximately
2", and a base width of approximately I". A mold line is observed on one of the flat
chamfered corners, which seems to disappear about halfway up the neck, which
probably indicates that this bottle was hand-blown into a two piece mold with a separate
bottom, in the late-nineteenth, or early-twentieth centuries (Jones and Sullivan, 1989:
28). One of the smaller recessed body panels is marked with raised lettering, which reads,
"CASTORIA." According to Fike, this embossing represents the product of Chas H.
Fletcher's Castoria, "..a vegetable preparation for assimilating the food and regulating
stomach and bowels of infants and children." (1987: 162). This product was apparently
introduced in the early 1890's, and surprisingly survived into the 1980s (ibid.).
Artifact number A-5 has a rectangular base with flat chamfered corners, four
recessed body panels, sloped down shoulders, a cylindrical neck with one neck ring, and a
patent lip. The bottle is approximately 6 1/2" long, and has a base length of 1 3/4", and a
base width of approximately 1". There is no embossing on the bottle, and the only mark
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on it is a mold line on one of the flat chamfered corners which seems to disappear on the
neck. This seems to indicate that the bottle was hand-blown into a two-piece mold with a
separate bottom, in the late-nineteenth, or early-twentieth centuries. Although there is no
way to be positively sure, the shape and size of the bottle indicates that it was probably
used for a medicinal product.
Artifact number A-6 has a rectangular base with flat, chamfered corners, four
recessed body panels, a cylindrical neck with one neck ring, and a patent finish. The
bottle is approximately 5 1/2" long, has a base length of approximately 2", and a base
width of approximately 1". A mold line is observed on one of the flat chamfered corners,
which seems to disappear about half way up the neck, which probably indicates that this
bottle was hand-blown into a two piece mold with a separate bottom, in the late-
nineteenth, or early-twentieth centuries (Jones and Sullivan, 1989: 28). One of the
smaller body panels is embossed with the words, "VAN DUZER." This mark is
apparently representative of a Van Duzer Jamaica Ginger product, or a Van Duzer
Balsam (Fike, 1987: 130, 184). Both were apparently bottled in New York by a Selah R.
Van Duzer in the late-nineteenth century, and were affiliated with Mrs. Allen Balsam
(ibid.).
Artifact number A-8 has a rectangular base with rounded corners, a chamfered
heel, a straight body with rounded edges and corners, a single-stepped-cylindrical neck,
and a threaded finish. The bottle is approximately 8 1/2" long, has a base length of
approximately 3 1/2", and a base width of approximately 2". Two mold marks are clearly
present on either side of the body, extending to the threaded finish, and both ends at the
chamfered, raised heel, which appears to be a third mold mark. An Owens suction scar is
present within the chamfered heel, indicating that this bottle was produced with an
Owens automatic machine between ca. 1904-1950 (Jones and Sullivan, 1989: 39). The
base of the bottle is embossed with what appears to be a symbolic erupting volcano, and
the word, "RAMSES", underneath of which are the symbols, "5K 4255". No reference
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to the base-mark, "RAMSES", could be found, and it is not known if this is a maker's
mark, or if it is representative of the product within. It is probably a maker's mark, as
this is commonly where such marks were placed, but it is strange that there is no
reference to it in Julian Harrison Toulouse's, Bottle Makers and Their Marks.
Finally, artifact number A-9 is a cylindrically based bottle, with a champagne
style shoulder, a tapered neck, and a crown finish. It is interesting to note that even with
the presence of a crown finish, that a desiccated cork was still inside of the bottle. The
bottle is approximately 10" long, and has a base diameter of approximately 2 1/2". No
mold marks are observed in the photographs, but it is assumed by the fact that the bottJe
has a crown finish that it was machine-made. The base of the bottle is embossed with the
following, "W.F. & S. / MTL.", between which is the number "18". This base mark is the
mark of William Franzen & Son, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; who made bottles from 1900-
1929. Due to the bottle's shape, it is likely that it held some type of beverage.
Clear Ink Jars, Whole
There were three ink jars recovered from the site. Interestingly, all differ in form,
yet all appear to have held the same volume of ink. The first ink jar to be described is
artifact number 403. The jar has a square base with rounded corners, rounded shoulders, a
cylindrical neck with a single neck ring, and a flanged lip. The jar measures some 6.1 cm
in overall height, with a base width of 4.8 cm, and a finish diameter of 2.9 cm. There are
five mold seams present on the jar, with the an Owens scar on the base. Lettered
embossing is limited to the markings, "2 OZ," on the neck of the jar. Due to the Owens
scar on the base, the jar can be assigned a date of manufacture date range from Ca. 1904 1950.
Artifact number 404 is a square based ink jar with rounded corners, rounded
shoulders, a cylindrical neck with a neck ring, and a double flanged lip. The jar measures
some 5.7 cm in height, with a base width of 5.1 cm, and a finish diameter of 3.3 cm. The
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jar has four mold seams, and is marked with a single embossed, "2" on the base. The
mold seams indicate that the jar could have been made by either a semi-automatic or an
automatic press-and-blow machine, however the form of the jar and its lack of a threaded
finish probably indicate an earlier date of manufacture. Thus, it can be inferred that the
jar was made by a semi-automatic machine, with a date of manufacture range from Ca.
1889- 1926 (Jones and Sullivan, 1989: 39).
The final ink jar in the collection is represented by artifact number 416. This jar is
cylindrically based, with a tapered body, a shoulder ring, and a screw finish. The jar
measures some 6.6 cm in height, with a base diameter of 5.1 cm, and a finish diameter of
3.8 cm. The jar displays four mold seams, and is marked on the base with the embossed
lettering, "LH THOMAS CO. / CHICAGO," which is all surrounding the number, "24"
within a circle. No reference to LH Thomas as either a bottle manufacturer or dispenser
of medicines or inks could be found. The jar was definitely molded by either a semi-
automatic or automatic press-and-blow machine, and, due to its form, can probably be
givenarelative date range of manufacture from Ca. 1889 - 1950 (Jones and Sullivan, 1989:
39).
Clear Jar, Fragmentary:
Artifact number 83 (which is co-joined with three other artifacts), is an entire base
of a cylindrically based jar with a partial body and finish. The diameter of the base is
approximately 10.0 cm, and the height of the fragmented jar from base to finish is
approximately 15.0 cm. The base is marked with the following embossed letters, "BEN
SCHLOSS / MANUFACTURER I PATENT APPLIED FOR! S.F. CAL." The body
fragment is also embossed, being marked: "GOLDEN S...! PAT. DEC. 20TH 10/ 5/
PA... / MASO.." According to Toulouse, (1969: 135-136, and 1971: 456), these are the
manufacturer's mark for the Ben Schloss Manufacturing Co., of San Francisco, California.
This style ofjar was made for commercial canning operations, which were plagued by
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seals which lost their vacuum over time. In 1910, Francis J. Machin reasoned that the
problem had to do with the shape of the finish and so he patented a new finish design and
assigned it to Ben Schloss, a local potter. Schloss had the jars manufactured by the local
Pacific Illinois Glass Co., and they seem to have been manufactured between Ca. 1902 -
1930. The center of the base also has a circular valve mark which is apparently caused by
a valve which ejects a blank out of a mold before it is transferred to the blow mold for
completion in a press and blow or blow and blow machine method (Jones and Sullivan,
1989: 39, as referenced from Toulouse, 1969: 583). This type of manufacture is
consistent with the date of manufacture range given by Toulouse.
Clear Jars, Whole
There were two intact clear jars recovered from the site. The first, artifact number
1245, is cylindrically based, with a sloped down shoulder, and a continuously threaded
finish. The jar measures some 16.1 cm in height, with a base diameter of 8.0 cm and a
finish diameter of 8.1 cm. Four mold seams are present on the bottle, and it is marked on
the base with the following: "3881 / B / 3 /16." The "B" is encircled, and the 3 and 16
appear below it at offset angles. The "B" marking is apparently the manufacturer's mark
of the Brockway Glass Co., of Brockwayville, Pennsylvania (Toulouse, 1971: 59). The
mark had been in use from 1925 until the time of publishing for Toulouse, yet it is not
known if the company survives today. By the form of the bottle, it appears that its
original contents were probably mayonnaise, and by the valve mark on the base, it would
appear that it was probably manufactured by a blow-and-blow process machine in the
late-twentieth century (Jones and Sullivan, 1989: 39).
The second jar in the collection is artifact number 1246. The jar is cylindrically
based, with no neck, and a discontinuously threaded finish. The jar measures
approximately 12.2 cm in height, with a base diameter of 7.3 cm, and a finish diameter of
7.3 cm. There are four mold seams displayed on the bottle, and the base is embossed
IF1
with the following:
"465-15 I
Ball / 3 I 1 OA." The "Ball" logo is in cursive, and is the
standard Ball Brothers Co. maker's mark since 1888 (Toulouse,
1969: 40).
This,
however, does not appear to be a standard Ball Mason or fruit canning jar, rather it
appears that this was probably a contract manufactured food jar through the Ball
Company. By its form, it can be guessed that the original content of the jar was probably
peanut butter, and by the valve mark on the base, it can be guessed that it was probably
manufactured by a blow-and-blow process machine in the late-twentieth century (Jones
and Sullivan, 1989:
39).
Green Body Fragments
Ten green, cylindrical body fragments were recovered from the site. None of the
fragments display any mold seams or embossed markings, and no diagnostic information
can be yielded from them.
Green Base Fragment
A single fragment of a green bottle base was recovered from the site. The fragment
displays no mold seams or embossed markings, and it seems to curve in towards the
center of the base possibly indicating the presence of a kick-up. If this is indeed a kickup, then it is the remnants of a hand-blown bottle, or of a molded bottle which had a
stylized kick-up for decorative purposes. With just this small amount of evidence it is
almost impossible to delineate between the types, or even give an estimate as to the date
of manufacture range.
Green Finish Fragment
A single green finish fragment was recovered from the site. The fragment appears
to be the remains of a molded, relatively large diameter finish. A stepped lip is in
evidence along the outside rim of the fragment, yet there are no mold seams or embossed
markings present.
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White Jar, Threaded Finish, Whole
A single white glass jar is represented by artifact number 673 in the collection.
The jar is cylindrically based, has no neck, and a threaded finish. The jar measures
approximately 4.1 cm in height, with a base diameter of 5.1 cm, and a finish diameter of
5.0 cm. The jar displays three mold seams and no embossed markings. There is no doubt
that this jar was molded by a machine, yet, with the absence of an Owens scar, a
producer's mark, or any other definitive marking, it is nearly impossible to give a relative
date range of manufacture for this artifact other than saying that it is likely of twentieth
century manufacture.
White Jar Fragments
Four fragments of white opaque glass appear to be the remnants of white glass
jar(s), similar in form to number 673. One fragment, artifact number 1110 is definitely the
base of such ajar. There are no mold seams present on the fragment, however, the base is
embossed with the following: "RESINOL / . . TO MD / .AL CO." According to Fike,
.
(1987: 75), this embossing is that of the Resinol Chemical Co. of Baltimore, Maryland.
The product was a type of balm which was to be used for skin disease, inflammation, and
irritation (Fike, 1987: 75). Again, according to Fike (1987), the company was known to
have advertised this product as early as 1897, and was still advertising it as late as 1948.
The company has since been purchased by the Mentholatum Co., of Buffalo, New York.
The other three fragments have somewhat less definitive identification aids, as two
are curved body fragments with no mold seams or markings; while the other is what
appears to be the melted remnants of a finish. The distortion is so great that it is not even
possible to discern whether or not the finish had a lip, and it appears that another piece of
white glass has been melted to it.
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Glass Bottle and Jar Closures
Aluminum Safety Hood for a Bottle:
An aluminum warning hood for a bottle with high pressure contents (most likely
champagne) was recovered from the site. The hood has been torn and flattened, and is an
overall bronze or gold color with black lettering. The lettering reads: "CAREFUL! /
Point bottle away from yourself & others when removing this hood & the stopper. Read
warning label below before removing this hood. TO OPEN: Lift tab & tear down." This
message is repeated twice on the hood, being divided by two sets of vertically facing black
dots. Although an exact date as to when such warning hoods started to appear on
pressurized content bottles is unknown, this hood is definitely of late-twentieth century
manufacture, and is probably from post-1980.
Canning Jar Lids:
Four threaded, zinc canning jar lids, with opaque white glass liners were recovered
from the site. All of the lids are basically identical in shape and dimensions, having
bottom diameters of approximately 7.6 cm, a height of approximately 2.8 cm (two have
been slightly flattened), and a top diameter of 6.5 cm. All appear to be Mason shoulderseal type jar lids, the jar itself being patented on November 30, 1858, the lids having been
apparently never patented (Toulouse, 1969: 429). The only real variations amongst the
lids are with the opaque white glass liners within them. All of the liners are
approximately 6.3 cm in diameter, yet differ with the markings on them.
Two of these liners have no maker's marks on them, yet still differ in the
formation of impressed rings in their centers or on their edges. Artifact number 331 has a
ring which demarcates a raised portion with a diameter of approximately 4.7 cm, then
three impressed rings with the following diameters: 2.7 cm, 2.2 cm, and 1.7 cm. The final
impressed ring leaves a circle with the same outside diameter of 1.7 cm. Artifact number
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332 has only one ring, which demarcates a raised portion of the liner, with a diameter of
approximately 4.9 cm. Towards the center of this liner is a slight depression, which
moves back into a raised center.
The remaining two liners do have maker's marks on them, as well as raised and
impressed rings. Artifact number 1043 has the following raised markings along its glass
liner perimeter: "GENUINE ZINC CAP / FOR BALL MASON JARS". The two
phrases are separated in the middle by two vertically facing diamonds. A gently raising
circle is then observed with an outside diameter of 4.5 cm. At its highest point, this circle
drops into a depressed center circle which has an outside diameter of approximately 2.9
cm. Artifact number 1325 is marked with following raised letters along its glass liner
perimeter: "GENUiNE BOYD CAP / FOR MASON JARS". This lettering appears on
a generally flat, yet roughened circle, which then turns into a smooth, raised circle, with an
outside diameter of approximately 4.8 cm. Within this raised area are three concentric
impressed rings, with the following diameters: 2.8 cm, 2.2 cm, and 1.7 cm. Louis R.
Boyd of New York City is attributed with two patents; one on March 30, 1869, and one
on May 11, 1869, both of which were for the glass lining on zinc lids to protect the
contents of the jar from having a metallic taste imparted to them (Toulouse, 1969: 430).
These lids were apparently manufactured and used from 1869 until well into the
twentieth century, and although typological differences are noted on the glass liners, no
references could be found as to dating the periods of manufacture for each type.
Canning Jar Lid Liner Fragments:
A total of six, opaque, white glass canning jar lid liner fragments were recovered
from the site. Only three of these fragments have outside edges which can be
reconstructed for an estimate of outside diameter, and all three appear to have had an
outer diameter of approximately 6.3 cm. Only one of these fragments, artifact number
123, has any markings or raised portions, with the raised letters: "YORK", followed by
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an upside down "Y.". Just inside of these letters is a raised center section, which has a
reconstructed outside diameter of 4.8 cm. Of the remaining three fragments of opaque
white glass lid liner fragments, one is very small and has no diagnostic features at all, and
the remaining two have remnants of three impressed center rings, which are two small and
fragmented to obtain reliable reconstructed diameters. Like the lids described above, these
liners were patented by Louis R. Boyd in 1869, and were manufactured from that date
well into the twentieth century, so their date range of manufacture can probably be listed
as Ca. 1869-1950.
Cardboard Milk Bottle Disks:
Four cardboard milk bottle disk closures were recovered from the site. One of the
disks is fragmented, and has illegible writing on one surface. The remaining disks are
basically whole, and have mostly legible writing on one surface each. The three whole
disks have a diameter of 4.2 cm, and each has an incised pull tab for removal from the
bottle. Two of these pull tabs are half-circles; the other one is triangular in shape.
As for markings, artifact number 255 is the least legible of the whole disks, with
the words, "MILK AND CREAM", across the middle of the disk. The disk also appears
to have a circle around its edge, and illegible words across one edge of the disk. Artifact
number 327 has blue markings, and also has a circle around the edge of the disk with the
words, "PURE MILK AND CREAM" arranged within this circle. Two scrolls then
appear, underneath of which appears, "WASH BOTTLES / RETURN DAILY". Under
all of this is a circular pull-tab, which is all in blue, with white lettering which says,
"PULL / HERE". The final disk, number 1173, appears to have black markings, starting
with a circle around the edge of the disk. This circle is then bisected with two lines
creating an avenue approximately 1.1 cm wide, with the words, "SUNNY-BROOK"
within it. In the upper half of the circle appears, "PASTEURIZED / MILK". And in the
lower half is the phone advertisement, "PHONE / 13". This particular disk was
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apparently manufactured for the Sunny-Brook Daiiy of Corvallis, Oregon, which,
according to the son of the original owner of the dairy, was in operation from Ca. 1921
until the time of printing (Ingles Thompson, Personal Communication).
All of these disks date to the early-twentieth century. The first American patent
for these disks appears to have been applied for in Ca. 1901, and they were probably used
into the middle-twentieth century (Jones and Sullivan, 1989: 161). These disks were
designed for returnable milk bottles, which had an internal ledge within the neck of the
bottle in which these disks would sit. They were probably not intended for long distance
travel or long storage, and are probably indicators of local acquisition of fresh milk (ibid.).
Plastic Bottle Stopper:
A white plastic bottle stopper was recovered from the site. The stopper is made
of a white translucent plastic, with a hollow cylindrical plug section with five raised rings
upon it, and a mushroom-shaped top, which has fifteen vertically facing, impressed
recesses around it, apparently for gripping. Overall, the stopper is approximately 4.0 cm
tall, while the inner plug has an outside diameter of 2.8 cm, and the mushroom-shaped top
has an outside diameter of 3.2 cm. Due to the fact that this plug is made of plastic, its
period of manufacture can probably be date to the late-twentieth century, and probably
post-1980.
Lightning Style Glass Jar Liner Fragments:
A total of two, clear glass, Lightning style, jar lid rim fragments were recovered
from the site. These fragments appear to be from two individual, yet similarly styled jar
lids. Using a bow compass, these two fragments appear to have a reconstructed diameter
of approximately 8.8 cm. Two mold seams appear on both of the fragments, one
internally, and one externally along the same line, running parallel to the rounded edge of
the fragments. Apparently, two part molds were used to manufacture the lids, one mold
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for the main body of the lid, the other for the rim. The Lightning style jar closure was
apparently first patented on April 25, 1882, by Henry W. Putnam, and was
manufactured into the early-twentieth century (Toulouse, 1969: 466).
Cork Bottle Closure:
A cork bottle closure was recovered from the site. The cork is cylindrical and
tapered, with an overall height of approximately 1.9 cm, a large end diameter of
approximately 2.3 cm, and a tapered end diameter of approximately 2.1 cm. The cork is
quite desiccated, however, and the possibility of shrinkage must be taken into account
when studying the dimensions. There is no evidence of wiring, wax, a composite
structure, or the use of an attached ring for removal. Dating the cork is extremely
difficult, as, "Cork as a stopper seems to have become a standard closure for smallmouthed containers beginning in the 16th and 17th centuries, supplanting other sealing
substances and maintaining its supremacy almost to the present day." (Jones and
Sullivan, 1989: 149).
Crown Bottle Caps:
The remains of three crown bottle caps were recovered from the site. As crown
caps are basically standardized, and as these are highly degraded, no attempt will be made
to metrically describe them. All are made of tinned iron, with internal plastic liners,
which probably denotes late-twentieth century manufacture (Jones and Sullivan, 1989:
163). Only two of the caps have remaining external product labels. Artifact number 443
is red overall, with white lettering, which reads "Nesbitt's / CREME / SODA", in its
center, and a list of mostly illegible words (most likely the ingredient list), along the edge
of the cap. Artifact number 472 is silver in overall color, with a black, circular center logo,
which appears to be a shield or crest of some kind. Around this logo are the words,
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"SCHLITZ I ....... T/ LIQUOR". This obviously is a product of the Schlitz Malt Liquor
brewing company.
Foil Lid:
The remains of a lid made of extremely thin aluminum foil was recovered from the
site. The fragmented lid has a faded gold color to it, with black lettering; all fading to an
aluminum silver. The only decipherable letters are, "GRA..", which is within a vertical
facing rectangle. No product name can be determined from these letters. The rounded,
flattened edge appears to be crimped, and this is the likely method of attachment to its
bottle finish. Similar crimped lids can still be observed on products such as juices, yet
they don't appear to be popular any longer as: they won't hold carbonated items, they
are difficult to replace, and are obviously easy to remove before the product is sold.
More than likely, this type of lid is of late-twentieth century manufacture, and is
probably representative of the Ca. 1980's.
Threaded Bottle Ca
A flattened and torn, tinned iron, threaded bottle cap was recovered from the site.
The cap was cylindrical, with a rolled bottom edge, and has a roughened gripping surface
around its upper surface, using a series vertical facing, impressed lines. The cap is too
degraded to obtain any reconstructed measurements, and realistically could have been fit
to either a glass, or tinned iron container. This cap probably has a date range of
manufacture of the early-twentieth century.
Threaded Commercial Jar Lid:
The remains of a threaded, zinc, commercial jar lid was recovered from the site.
The lid has been flattened, yet still has an intact cardboard internal liner. The lid has a
diameter of approximately 5.7 cm, which is the reason it is labeled as a commercial jar lid,
as this diameter is too small to represent a Mason or Ball canning jar. The center of the
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lid is raised slightly, and has a raised product or manufacturer's mark on it. The mark is
in cursive, with much of it deteriorated, and illegible. The only legible letters are, "Sta...."
There appear to be anywhere from three to five more remaining letters. No specific
product or manufacturer's names could be found to match these letters. By its zinc and
cardboard make-up, this lid can probably be dated to a manufacture period of the early-
to-mid-twentieth century.
Containers, Glass Bowls
Clear Depression Glass Bowl:
A fairly large, clear Depression Glass bowl was recovered from the site. The bowl
measures approximately 21.7 cm in diameter, with an overall height of about 8.1 cm.
Unfortunately, no matching pattern could be identified from depression glass collector's
catalogs, so a physical description will have to suffice. The bowl appears to be molded,
due to a mold line along its rim. The bowl has a series of scallops along its edge, which
correspond to 14 ogive shapes, which point down, about half way down the side of the
bowl. Underneath the ogives are a series of interconnecting lines which roughly trace the
tipped shape of the ogives. On the bottom of the bowl is a slightly raised foot-ring,
within which are a series of 14 elongated ovals, which radiate from the center of the bowl
like spokes on a wheel, towards the foot-ring (see Figure 15). A date range of
manufacture of ca. 1930-1940 can roughly be assigned to the bowl, as it appears that the
majority of the Depression Glass made, was manufactured during this period
(Weatherman, 1970: 31).
White Glass Bowl:
A single, whole, white glass bowl was recovered from the site. The bowl has an
outer rim diameter of approximately 12.2 cm, with a foot-ring diameter of approximately
7.2 cm, and an overall height of approximately 5.8 cm. The bowl is marked on its base in
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raised lettering: "OVEN! Fire-King (in cursive)! WARE / 15 / MADE IN USA." The
bowl appears to be molded due to its symmetrical nature, yet there are no mold marks on
the bowl, which probably indicates that it was fire-polished (see Figure 15).
Containers, Glass Tumblers
Clear Base Fragments:
Five base fragments of what appear to be clear glass tumblers were recovered from
the site. Artifact number 19 is a relatively small fragment, displaying a portion of the
body, and the beginning curvature towards the base. There is a mold line present between
the base and the body, and it probably went completely around the tumbler when whole.
All in all, it is difficult to say what shape the tumbler originally had, other than it was
cylindrical, and there is not enough of the fragment left to determine an estimated diameter
of the tumbler. Artifact number 29 is a base and body fragment, which displays a
tapered, cylindrical body, and a flat, foot-less base. There are no mold marks on the
fragment, and there are no decorative features on it either. Using a bow compass, the
fragment yields an estimated base diameter of approximately 6.8 cm. Artifact number
338 is a base and body fragment as well, consisting of half of the base, and only partial
body fragments of a straight bodied, foot-less tumbler (see Figure 16). There are no mold
marks present on the fragment, nor are there any decorative features. Once again, using a
bow compass, the base is estimated to have had a diameter of approximately 6.0 cm.
Artifact number 570 is a base fragment, which displays a curved edge between the body
and base, but no foot. There is not enough of the body present to determine if it was
tapered or straight, and there are no mold lines or decorative features on it.
Unfortunately, there is not enough of the fragment left to determine an estimate of its
base diameter. Finally, artifact number 1053 is a base fragment displaying a rounded foot,
and a depressed base center. There is not enough of the body present to determine if it
Ip
was tapered or straight, and there are no mold marks or decorative features on the
fragment. Once again, the fragment is too small to yield any estimates on its base
diameter.
Clear Rim Fragments:
There were only two fragments which could be confirmed as being from glass
tumblers, and it is not known if they are from the same vessel as any of the bases
described above. Artifact number 58 displays a ring of raised, vertical facing lines that are
approximately .2 cm long, and probably would have continued around the entire vessel.
This ring is approximately .9 cm down from the rim, and is apparently illustrated by
Parks Canada in Figure 11 9c, which is described as, "tumbler, commercial container,
anchor closure" (1989: 143). It is assumed that, "anchor closure" refers to the similar
ring of vertical facing lines on the illustrated tumbler, however, Parks Canada does not
describe an anchor closure, and further references to the term could not be found.
Whether or not this ring is a required element of an anchor closure, it is assumed from
Parks Canada that this ring is representative of a commercial container, which, ". .can be
sold originally filled with contents such as peanut butter, jelly, mustard, and so on but is
intended to be re-used as a tumbler" (ibid.). Once again, although not explicitly stated by
Parks Canada, it is assumed by the symmetry of this ring that this style of tumbler was
machine manufactured, and is of twentieth century manufacture.
The other tumbler rim in the collection is artifact number 569, which displays a
plain rim and much of a body fragment. The body has the remnants of three joining,
ovoid shaped, pressed panels, and seems to be representative of the tumbler displayed by
Parks Canada in Figure 119b, which they describe as, "tumbler, tapered body, pressed
panels" (1989: 143). This tumbler is definitely machine made, and probably of earlytwentieth century manufacture (see Figure 16).
127
Containers, Glass Cups
Two fragments of apparently the same style, yet different individual cups were
recovered from the site (see Figure 16). Artifact number 201 is the fragment of a cup,
displaying a partial rim, part of a body, and a fragmented handle. The rim is gently
rounded, and using a bow compass presents an estimated original diameter of
approximately 7.0 cm. The handle is roughly ovoid in shape, and has a single mold line
running down its center which continues on to the body in between the handle, as well as
on either side of it. The body curves deeply towards where the base would have been,
but there is not enough of a base to determine an estimate of the cup's height.
Artifact number 679 is very similar to number 201, displaying the same type of
horizontally "wavy," clear glass, and having an identically styled rim with a diameter of
approximately 7.2 cm. This fragment consists of a base, about half of a rim, and perhaps
two-thirds of a body, with two sections missing, on two sides of the cup. The base has a
shallow foot, and a mold line runs vertically from this foot, yet is missing on one side
where it was fractured. The overall height of this cup is approximately 5.6 cm. There are
no visual features of a handle, yet, as a section which should have had a mold line is
missing, and as the handle described above has such a mold line running up its middle
section, it is supposed that the entire handle is missing from the cup and was never
recovered from the site. Due to the similarity in form, and in rim diameter measurements,
it is supposed that these two fragments represent two different cups of matching style,
perhaps even from the same set. Due to the presence of mold lines and the lack of hand-
blowing manufacturing features, it is supposed that these two cups were machine-made in
a three-piece mold, probably in the early-twentieth century.
128
Figure 15. Depression glass bowl, and white glass bowl recovered from Site ORBE2.
Figure 16. Examples of clear tumbler fragments (L), and clear, handled glass fragments
recovered from the site.
Containers, Enameled Iron
Cup Fragment:
The rim and body fragment of what appears to be the remains of a gray enameled
cup was recovered from the site. The fragment is composed chiefly of oxidized iron, with
a degraded gray and white mottled enameling on the outside, and a degraded white
enameling on the inside. The rim of the cup is rolled, but unfortunately, there is not
enough of the base to determine how it appeared. The fragment is too degraded and bent
out of shape to determine an estimated height or diameter, and there is no evidence of a
handle. Such enameled iron wares were apparently common in the late-nineteenth
century, and into the early-twentieth century, as they were advertised in every
Montgomery Wards, and Sears, Roebuck and Co. catalog between 1895 and 1923.
Pot Lid:
A mostly intact, gray enameled pot lid was also recovered from the site. The lid is
circular, with a rolled edge, a depressed ring, and a raised center. A corroded hole appears
in the center of the lid, and this may be where a handle or knob was attached. The lid's
outside diameter is exactly 9 1/2", however the depressed ring which indicates where the
lid sat on its pot, is exactly 8" across, indicating a pot with an inner diameter of 8". There
are no markings on the pot, and its period of manufacture can be dated to the late-
nineteenth century or the early-twentieth century.
Containers, Tinned Iron
Can Fragments, Unknown Style:
There were 19 fragments of tin cans which were too incomplete to determine from
what style of can they originated. All that can be said of these fragments is that three
130
were cylindrical cans, and one had at least one squared edge. The remainder were too
fragmented to even determine what the original shape of the can was.
External Friction Lid Style Cans:
Two external friction lid style cans were recovered from the site, being represented
by artifact numbers 946 and 1321. Artifact number 946 is quite fragmentary, although,
enough of the can remains to determine that it is the remnants of a square or rectangular
external friction lid style can which had been embossed. The embossing is unfortunately
too deteriorated to read or decipher. No seams exist on the fragment, with the one
remaining corner consisting of the single piece of tin which has been bent into shape. No
guess can be made as to the can's original contents. Artifact number 1321 is much more
complete, yet still is only perhaps 60% present. The can is cylindrical, having a base
diameter of 8.2 cm, and an overall height of 16.6 cm. The can appears to have been double
seamed, and no remains of a label are present. Due to the style of lid closure, this can's
original contents were probably powdery in nature, being some sort of product which
could be partitioned out over time, so that the can could be reclosed through time.
External Friction Lid Style Can Lids:
Three external friction lid style can lids were recovered from the site. Of the three,
two are relatively intact, with one representing perhaps 20% of a lid. Artifact number
260 is a cylindrical lid, which has unfortunately been dented, with the estimated diameter
being 6.0 cm. The lid's lip extends some 1.3 cm down from its upper edge, and it has a
single embossed circular line encompassing this lip. No labeling is present on the artifact,
and no guess as to its container's original contents can be made. The second lid, artifact
number 279, is a partial cylindrical lid, yet its original diameter cannot be guessed due to
its deteriorated state. The extreme outer edge of the lid is crimped, and its center appears
to have been depressed, leaving a raised ring approximately 1.3 cm wide between the rim
131
and the center. Again, no labeling remains on the lid, and no guess as to the original
contents of its container can be made. The final lid, artifact number 780, is rectangular
shaped with rounded edges. The lid's dimensions are 8.1 cm x 5.1 cm, with a lip
extending approximately 1.0 cm down from the edge. The top of the lid is embossed with
the following: "WALTERBAKER&COLTD. / BREAKFAST / COCOA."
This is apparently the lid to a cocoa container of the Walter Baker & Co., whose
adds can be found in many editions of the late-nineteenth century journal,
Harper 's
Baar. According to the advertisements, the company was established in 1780 in
Dorchester, Massachusetts, and one of the advertisements goes as far as to describe the
cocoa as, "A Perfect Food" (Harper's Bazar 1900: 57). It is not known when the Walter
Baker & Co. went out of business or quit producing its cocoa, but one can probably date
this lid to ca. the turn-of-the-century.
External Friction Lid Style Shortening Pail:
A single external friction lid style shortening pail was recovered from the site. The
pail has unfortunately been smashed flat, but other than that, is in excellent condition
other than for some limited surface corrosion. The pail's present overall height is
approximately 15.2 cm, yet a base diameter estimate is unobtainable due to the pail's
crushed state. A wire handle is still attached to one side of the pail, and two soldered side
tabs are still intact, with one still holding the handle in place. Decorative labeling of the
pail is an enameled finish of red over the base silver tin. Most of the pail is decorated
with a series of 'jewels,' which have nine radiating lines surrounding each. Then there are
two red upright rectangles, and a single red oval, within each of which there is white
lettering. Within the rectangles are the words: "Swift's / Jewel / Shortening / for pastry, /
for sautéing, / and for deep frying. I Swift & Company." The larger oval is unfortunately
corroded, and the only decipherable lettering is: "..ENT OF AGRICULTURE" along its
lower edge, which probably originally read, "DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE."
132
No specific references to the Swift & Company or its products could be found, but it is
assumed by the style of the pail, that it dates to the early-twentieth century.
Hole-in-Cap Style Cans:
There are seven hole-in-cap style tin cans represented in the collection, out of
which, one is rectangular in profile, two are short and cylindrical, while the remaining four
are long and cylindrical in profile.
The rectangular based can has rounded edges, and is represented by artifact
numbers 249 and 276, which are apparently the remains of the same can, which has been
cut in half to reveal its contents. The can's dimensions are 10.5 cm x 6.1 cm, with the
lower half of the can (number 276), having a maximum height of approximately 2.9 cm,
and the upper half having a maximum height of 1.6 cm. Unfortunately, the edges of the
upper half of the can are so degraded that it is not possible to estimate an overall height of
the original can. The can has a single side seam, appearing to be a double seam style. No
type of labeling remains on the can, yet by its shape and the way it was opened, the
original contents were probably some sort of food, possibly a tinned meat product. Due
to the side seam style on the can, which had a process of manufacture patent date of
1899, and due to the hole-in-top style closure, this can was probably manufactured
between circa 1899-1930 (Rock, 1989: 40,50).
The two, short, cylindrical hole-in-top style tin cans are represented by artifact
numbers 285 and 838. Artifact number 285 sits approximately 6.3 cm high, with a base
and top diameter of 10.2 cm. One of the can's lids has been cut along its rim and peeled
back, and is left hanging draped over the side of the can. The soldered hole is on the
opposite, intact lid, and this entire lid appears to have been hand soldered on. A single
side seam is present on the can, apparently being of a double seam style. The can is
relatively intact, other than a few minor corrosion holes, yet there are no remains of a
label present. The original contents of the can can only be guessed at then, although some
133
sort of food product is a logical guess. The date range of manufacture is probably circa
1899 - 1930, due to its style of side seam, and its hole-in-top style closure (Rock, 1989:
40, 50). Artifact number 838 is a fairly similar style to 285, but has unfortunately been
crushed at some time. The can's lid diameter is approximately 11.0 cm. The lid with the
soldered hole has an interesting feature, with eight spoke-like indentations radiating
outwards from the hole almost to the rim of the lid. The can still has portions of a paper
label adhered to it, which appear to be white and red in color, but the only legible words
left on the label are: "SLICE .....
and, "ABOUT 4 1/2 0.." Unfortunately, the area of the
can with the seam has been too badly deteriorated to interpret what type of a seam it was
originally. Although there is probably no way to be absolutely sure, the can's original
contents were probably a sliced meat product, due to the label, and the shape of the can.
The four remaining cylindrical, hole-in-top cans are represented by artifact
numbers: 277, 292, 293, and 1320. Artifact number 277 is a much degraded can, with
only approximately 50% of the can remaining, and only one lid. The lid diameter is
approximately 6.2 cm, and fortunately the entire length of the can along the side seam
does exist, with a measurement of 10.9 cm. The side seam is apparently of the double
seam type. No remains of a label are present. Much like artifact number 277, artifact
number 292 is much degraded, with only approximately 60% of the can remaining, and
only one lid present. The lid measures approximately 6.6 cm in diameter, and the can
measures some 10.1 cm in length. The seam is once again a double seam type, and no
label remains are present. Artifact number 293 is relatively intact compared to the
previous mentioned cans. About 10% of the can is missing due to degradation. Both lids
are present, however, the one opposite of the soldered hole has been cut into quarters and
pulled outwards, apparently to gain access to its original contents. The can measures
approximately 7.5 cm in lid diameter, with an overall height of approximately 11.7 cm.
The body seam appears to be machine soldered together, with one portion of the can
simply overlapping the other. Both lids appear to be soldered on as well. Finally,
134
artifact number 1320 is the most degraded of the group, with approximately 20% of the
can present, with only perhaps half of a lid. The can is too degraded to even obtain any
accurate measurements as to its original dimensions, however, it can be detennined that
the side seam is a double seam type. By the shape and size of these cans, it is likely that
the original contents were food oriented, probably being fruits or vegetables. The date of
manufacture range for all but number 293 is probably Ca. 1899 - 1930, with number 293
exhibiting traits of cans which have a date of manufacture range extending from Ca. 1880 -
1930 (Rock, 1989: 40, 42, 50).
Hole-in-Cap Style Can Lids:
Four hole-in-cap style can lids were recovered from the site. All of the lids were
badly deteriorated, and only one of them was whole enough to provide an approximate lid
diameter. This lid, which unfortunately had its artifact number removed in the
conservation process, measures approximately 7.5 cm in diameter. Without the other
diagnostic portions of these cans, or any labels, it is very difficult to detennine what the
original contents of these cans were, other than guessing that they were probably food
related.
Internal Friction Lid Style Cans:
Two identical internal friction lid style cans were recovered from the site. Both
cans are cylindrical in nature, and have a peculiar gray tinge about them, as well as a white
powdery residue frosting within. The cans measure some 13.2 cm high, with a base
diameter of approximately 7.1 cm. The internal opening on the cans has a diameter of 3.7
cm. The side seams do not appear to fit the description of any known seam type,
135
although they can best be described as double seams which appear to be tripled over. The
remains of a paper label appears on one of the cans, and is red and white with black
cursive writing. The only decipherable word on the label is, "diseases." Due to their odd
design, and the presence of this word, the only logical guess as to the original contents of
these cans is some type of medicinal product.
Internal Friction Lid Style Can Lids:
Four cylindrical internal friction lid style can lids are represented in the collection.
Of these four, one unfortunately had its catalog number removed in the stabilization
process, while the other three are represented by artifact numbers 295, 867, and 13 14.
The unnumbered lid represents about half of a cylindrical lid, and using a bow compass,
the lid has a reconstructed diameter of approximately 17.0 cm. The lid's center is
depressed approximately 1.1 cm from the outer rim, and the rim has been crimped under
itself The lid is embossed with words in a circular pattern, however, the only legible
word appears to read, "COTTON." Artifact number 295 has a diameter of
approximately 9.9 cm, with its center being depressed approximately .8 cm from the rim.
The rim is flat, not crimped, and there is no labeling or embossing on this lid. Artifact
number 867 is quite deteriorated, with its entire rim portion fallen away, making for an
estimated diameter reading nearly impossible. No embossing or labeling appears to be
present, however it may be hidden under a thick crust of oxidation which could not be
removed without destroying the artifact itself. The final lid, artifact number 1314, is
nearly complete, having a diameter of approximately 12.0 cm. Its center is depressed
136
from its crimped rim approximately .7 cm. No embossing is present on the lid, however,
a strange, bubbled, white portion may be the remains of enameling. Unfortunately, if it is
enameling, no lettering or illustrations remain.
Internal Friction Lid Style Shortening Pail Lid:
A single, cylindrical, internal friction lid style, shortening pail lid was recovered
from the site. The lid is incomplete, with approximately 40% of its outer rim missing due
to corrosion. The lid has an approximate diameter of 18.2 cm, and its center is depressed
approximately .8 cm from its crimped lip. The lid does not appear to belong to the
previously mentioned pail, as it is embossed with another company's logo in its center:
"REMEMBER COTTOLENE ALWAYS PLEASES / PRY UP COVER / WITH /
KNIFE OR COIN."
According to an ad in the January 6, 1894 edition of Harper
's Bazar,
Cottolene
was a brand of cooking oil made of, "clarified cottonseed oil and refined beef suet," which
was made by the N.K. Fairbank Company (Harper's Bazar 1894: 20). The exact dates
of manufacture for this brand of oil is not known, however it is probably safe to date the
oil at around the turn-of-the-century.
Key to Key-Opened Can:
An iron key, to a key opening can was recovered from the site. The key is
triangular shaped, and made of flat stock. Each side of the triangle is approximately 3.0
cm long, and this triangle is attached to a shaft approximately 4.1 cm long. This shaft
would have been inserted into a catch on a key-opening can, then the key would have
137
been wound, removing a strip of tin from around the can,, allowrng for one end to be
removed, and the contents to be exposed. Such key-opening cans include, but are
probably not limited to: key-opening, non-reclosure cans (from Ca. 1866-?, used for:
sardines, hams, poultry, etc.); oblong key opening cans (dates unknown, used for: hams,
luncheon meats); key-opening, reclosure cans (from Ca. 1910-?, used for: nuts, coffee,
shortening, and dried milk); and tapered key-opening cans (from ca. 1895-?, used for:
corned beef, fresh beef, roast beef, beef tongue, boiled ham, etc.) (Rock, 1989: 174-179).
Therefore, this key probably dates from the late-nineteenth century, to the late-twentieth
century, and is representative of a food-related tin can.
Pocket Tobacco Can:
Two pocket tobacco style tin cans were recovered from the site. The first can,
artifact number 274, is an upright pocket tin style, with a rolled bottom edge, and a lock
side seam (Rock, 1989: 39, 166). It also appears that the can had an external friction lid at
one time. The can has been flattened at its top, has a height of approximately 9.2 cm, and
a width of 2.9 cm at its base. The can is decorated with a lithographed design which is
barely visible through much corrosion. It appears that the lithograph was an overall gold
color with red and black trim. A black circle with an approximate 4.2 cm diameter
appears in the center of both sides. Within this circle is the bust, in side profile, of a male
figure with a beard, in a red uniform with gold shoulder tassels, and a red conical hat with
gold tassels. The only visible writing occurs on only one side of the can, and is quite
limited and often illegible due to corrosion. Above the circle are the red letters,
138
"SHOR??UT..", and below appears, again in red, "PERFECTION OF BLENDS", and
below this, "FOR PIPE". This first word is probably "SHORTCUT", and probably
refers to the size range of the tobacco packaged within. The word "PIPE", probably
corresponds to pipe, as opposed to plug tobacco. The man in the circle may be Prince
Albert of England (this would explain the red and gold uniform), but unfortunately, there
are no surviving words saying Prince Albert, or the parent company, R.J. Reynolds, and a
reference to a lithographed Prince Albert can exactly like this one can not be found. If this
is a Prince Albert brand tobacco tin, then it dates to ca.
1907-1960
(Rock,
1989: 166-
167).
The second can is really just a can fragment, consisting of the apparent body
remains of another pocket tobacco can. The fragment is degraded, bent and twisted, and
has no definable edges or seams. The only clue to its identity is a white lithographed
background, which reads in black cursive, "PERFECTION / OF / BLENDS," underneath
of which, appears the word, "MTLTS." A reference to a Milt's tobacco brand could not
be found, however, by the style of the writing, and the supposed upright pocket tobacco
style can, this can probably dates from the very late-nineteenth century, to the very
early-twentieth century.
Pull Tab Style Sardine Can Lid:
A pull tab style sardine can lid was recovered from the site. The lid appears to be
made from aluminum, has a copper colored coating on the inside, and has a white and blue
printed design on the outside. The lid is rectangular shaped with rounded corners, and
139
measures roughly 9.5 cm x 6.9 cm. The printed design on the outside of the can has a
white background, with a blue light house on it, around which, in blue, are the words,
"Beach Cliff! MAINE! SARDINES." Under all of this is a blue section, with a wavy
border (apparently representing the ocean), which has the following printed in white, "IN
SOY BEAN OIL ! STINSON CANNING CO., PROSPECT HARBOR, ME. 04669
U.S.A. / NET WT. 3 3/4 OZ." The patent date for non-separable pull-tabs on aluminum
beverage cans was in 1980, and it can be assumed that the development of the "easy open
oblong can" occurred soon afterwards (Petroski, 1992: 203; Rock, 1989: 173).
Sanitary Style Cans:
Eleven sanitary style tin cans were recovered from the site. Among these, ten
were whole enough to allow some sort of analysis upon them. Unfortunately, three of
these ten had their catalog numbers removed from them during the conservation process,
and their original numbers have yet to be determined. The determinable dimensions, can
maker's sizes, and side-seam types for each of these cans is given in Table 2.
The most common style of can represented in this collection then, is the No. 300
style, which apparently makes its first appearance in can manufacturing size tables in the
1930s (Rock, 1989: 190). Rock's tables are incomplete, however, and have gaps in them,
including a gap from 1922-1934; the 1934 list was the first to have the No. 300 size
listed. This makes the introduction of the No. 300 can in the mid-1920s quite possible.
The 1939 table presented by Rock shows that the No. 300 can was typically packed
with: vegetables, some fruits, juices, soups, meat products, fish products, and
191). (ibid.: specialties and products, fish products, meat soups, juices,
fruits, some vegetables, included: cans style
1
No. the in packaged products typical some
that states table 1939 The 183-196). (ibid.: 1915-1970 from Rock, by supplied tables
manufacturer's canning the of all almost in appears It style. can long-lived and popular, a
of representative apparently is site the from recovered can tin style I No. one The
publishing. this of time the at purchased be can
product identical virtually a and gold, and white, green, is label The OIL." VEGETABLE
PURE IN / TUNA LIGHT CHUNK / "STARKIST as, it advertising label paper its
has still one and cans, tuna stamped are Both 1990). ca. (probably manufacture century
late-twentieth known of are site the from recovered cans size 1/2 No. two The
day. this to produced being still are they that assumed be may it and manuscript, Rock's
in appear which tables remaining theof all in appears 300 No. The (ibid.). specialties
?
?
?
1/2" 5
244
1/2" 4
Seam Double
275
1/2" 4
3"
Soldered Machine
300 No.
280
1/2" 4
3"
Soldered Machine
300 No.
294
4"
11/16" 2
Soldered Machine
1320
1/2" 4
3"
Soldered Machine
300 No.
1331
1
1/2"
33/8"
None/Stamped
1/2 No.
1332
11/2"
3/8" 3
None/Stamped
1/2 No.
I
No.
Length
Diameter
Style Seam
Size Can
1/2" 4
3"
Seam Double
300 No.
?
Seam Double
?
?
Soldered Machine
?
Number Artifact
ORBE2 Site from
Recovered Cans Tin Style Sanitary of Styles Seam and Sizes Can Dimensions, 2. Table
140
141
Sanitary Style Tin Can Lids:
Six sanitary style tin can lids were recovered from the site. Of these six, one is too
fragmentary to determine a diameter, and two had their catalog numbers removed during
the conservation process, and have yet to have their numbers determined again.
The first of the artifacts without a known catalog number has a diameter of
approximately 7.6 cm. No other diagnostic information was present on this lid.
The other artifact without a known catalog number, is the top to a key-opened
coffee can. The lid has a diameter of approximately 12.7 cm, with approximately 1.1 cm
of the body still attached to the lid. The remnants of the side seam appear to be of
machine applied solder type, and the remnants of the body of the can are red. The words,
"DRIP GRll'D" appear on opposite sides of the remnants of the body, in yellow
lettering with black outlines. The center of the can is depressed, and within this
depression are the embossed letters, "FOR DRIP OR I GLASS / COFFEE MAKERS."
Judging from the illustrations shown by Rock, this appears to be the remnants of a
Maxwell House one pound coffee can, from the mid-to-late 1930s (1989: 103).
The remaining lids are hardly as diagnostic, as all that can be said about artifact
numbers 288 and 1030, is that they have diameters of 7.6 cm and 9.5 cm , respectively.
Artifact number 826 has a diameter of 8.5 cm, and by its lack of corrosion, and its gray
color, appears to be the lid to one of the Starkist tuna cans described above.
Threaded Cap Style Can:
A single, threaded cap style tin can was recovered from the site. The can is
complete, including its cap. There is no sign of labeling, however. The can is
approximately 10.0 cm tall, and has a diameter of 5.6 cm. The threaded cap is
approximately 1.1 cm tall, and is 2.6 cm wide. The side seam of the can appears to be a
lock side seam (Rock, 1989: 39). The original contents of the can are unknown, and its
date of manufacture can only be guessed as being the early-twentieth century.
142
Ceramic Flatware and Hollow Ware
Gray Salt-Glazed Earthenware Crock Base Fragment:
A single, gray, salt-glazed, earthenware crock base was recovered from the site.
The fragment is only glazed on one side, which was apparently its inner surface. The
glazed side has circular molded groove lines, which are probably indicative of the
manufacture process of being thrown. The fragment is identified as the probable base of a
crock due to its uni-facial glaze and its large dimensions, with a base thickness of
approximately 1.5 cm, and a reconstructed base diameter of approximately 16.1 cm.
Unfortunately, no body fragments to the crock were recovered to aid in reconstructing the
further size and shape details of the vessel, and no manufacturer's marks are present to
aid in dating the artifact.
Gray Earthenware Rim Fragments, with Olive Splatter Glaze:
Four rim fragments of what appears to be the same gray earthenware vessel were
recovered from the site. The fabric appears to be a highly fired earthenware that has
nearly vitrified, yet still has larger pieces of aggregate present. All four fragments display
a distinctive olive colored splatter glaze, and a clear slip glaze appears to have been
applied over-all. There are no markings on the fragments, and a best guess on their
identity is that they are the remains of a "home-made" ceramic vessel, possibly a shallow
bowl or deep plate. This possibly indicates that this vessel was manufactured in an art
course, or by an artistic potter, and probably in the twentieth century.
White Undecorated Earthenware Base Fragments:
There were 27 white, undecorated, earthenware base fragments recovered from the
site. Out of these, three were apparently from cups, two were from a dish, three from
plates, three from saucers, and fifteen could not be identified as to a vessel type.
143
All three of the cup bases have foot-rings. The first, artifact number 110, has a
foot-ring diameter of approximately 4.4 cm, and the edges of the fragment seem to
indicate that the base was flared to widen the cup from its foot-ring diameter. Artifact
number 874 closely resembles number 110, again having flared edges indicating a widening
from the foot ring outwards. The artifact has a foot-ring diameter of approximately 4.7
cm. The final cup base, artifact number 144, has a less defined foot ring, and it has been
broken across its diameter. Yet, using a bow compass, it was determined that the footring would have had a diameter of approximately 5.2 cm. None of these fragments have
any markings which may aid in their manufacturer identification, or a date range of
manufacture.
Both of the dish base fragments have foot-rings. Artifact number 147 actually
stretches from the base to the rim of the vessel, and gives one the basis to interpret the
entire vessel form. The base and foot-ring have been broken so that there is less than half
of the diameter of the foot-ring present, yet, with a bow compass it can be estimated that
the foot-ring diameter was approximately 7.0 cm. In like fashion, the bow compass was
used to determine an approximate original diameter of the outer rim of this dish as 14.2
cm. The other dish base is substantially less intact than number 147, and there was so
little of the foot-ring present that it was nearly impossible to determine an accurate
reading on the foot-ring diameter using the bow compass. There were no manufacturer's
markings on either fragment to aid in determining a date range of manufacture.
The three plate base fragments all represent flat based plates with foot-rings.
Artifact number 141 does not have enough of its foot-ring left to determine an accurate
reading of its diameter using a bow compass. Artifact number 579 on the other hand,
does, displaying an estimated foot-ring diameter reading of 12.8 cm. Interestingly, both
pieces display enough similarities to have possibly come from the same type of vessel, if
not the same vessel; yet they do not co-join with each other. The final fragment displays
nearly half of its foot-ring, and yields a bow compass diameter reading of 9.2 cm. Once
144
again, none of these fragments display any manufacturer's markings which may aid in a
determination of a date range of manufacture.
The remaining fifteen fragments are all relatively small in size, and highly
fragmentary, yielding little information as to the type of vessel they are from (even
differentiating between fiat and hollow wares). All but one of the fragments display footrings, with the sole exception displaying two parallel, slightly raised rings, which
apparently would have served the same purpose as a foot-ring. None of the foot-rings
were complete enough to determine an estimate as to their diameter, and only one of the
fragments displayed a maker's mark.
This fragment, artifact number 99, is imprinted on the base with an apparent ink
stamp, "ERWOOD / S. GEORGE." This mark is apparently the maker's mark of the
W.S. George Pottery Company, of East Palestine, Ohio, Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, and
Kittanning, Pennsylvania (Cunningham, 1982: 82, and Lehner, 1988: 162). According to
Lehner, W.S. George owned his own plant in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania around 1900, and
started another in Kittanning, Pennsylvania around 1913 or 1914 which lasted until 1947.
Mr. George also purchased the controlling interest of the East Palestine Pottery
Company of East Palestine, Ohio in 1904 (Cunningham, 1982: 82). Apparently, the
latest period any of the plants operated was the late 1950s (Lehner, 1988: 135). This
creates the possibility of the fragment being manufactured anywhere from Ca. 1900 -1955.
However, the "ERWOOD," could be the pattern name, "DERWOOD," a pattern
manufactured by the W.S. George Co. in the, "late 1930's and into the 1940's." (Lehner,
1988: 163).
White Undecorated Earthenware Body Fragments:
There were 39 white earthenware body fragments recovered from the site. None
of the fragments display any manufacturer's mark or decorative elements (unless one
145
considers the curves present on each of the fragments), which may help to identif' the
types of vessels which the fragments may have once been.
White Undecorated Earthenware Handle Fragments:
There were four white earthenware handle fragments recovered from the site. All
probably represent cup handles due to their sizes and shapes. Two of the handles
display no features other than being ovaloid in shape and being curved. The other two
display slight stylistic variations. Artifact number 129 represents the juncture between
the base of a handle, and the wall of the vessel to which it connected. The handle is
generally ovaloid in shape, while the base juncture is slightly pointed and is wider than
the rest of the handle. The other handle, artifact number 381, is by far the most curved of
the handles, and is shaped as an ovaloid. One-half of the ovaloid is sculpted to resemble a
leaf, or at least a plant-like structure. Unfortunately, none of these stylistic features aid
in the identification of a date range of manufacture.
White Undecorated Earthenware Rim Fragments:
There were 28 white undecorated earthenware rim fragments recovered from the
site. Out of these, four appear to be the remnants of cups, five are from dishes or bowls,
two from plates, and the remaining 17 are too fragmentary to determine what type of
vessel they originally came from.
The four cup rim fragments seem to represent three different types of cups. Two
of the fragments, artifact numbers 122 and 157, have similar, if not identical, types of
embossed "dots," along the outside of the rim. These "dots" appear to have originally
encircled the entire rim of the cup, and these two fragments either represent the same cup,
or two cups of the same design. The other two rims represent very plain, white,
undecorated earthenware cups, with no embossing or decoration present on the fragments.
Yet, they seem to represent two different types of cups, as artifact number 892 has a rim
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which tapers and rolls outwards, while artifact number 127 has very little rim tapering,
and does not roll outward.
The five rim fragments to either dishes or bowls seem to represent three different
types of dishes or bowls. All of the fragments represent a dish or a bowl with an
outward roll at the edge, yet none have enough of the base to determine if they were from
a dish or a bowl. Three of these fragments appear to have come from the same type of
dish or bowl. Artifact numbers 170, 591, and 684 all represent a vessel with an outward
rolling, scalloped rim, with embossed dots and scrolled, plant-like structures encircling the
inside portion of the rim. It is interesting to note that number 170 has a slightly grayer
glaze than the other two, however this could be the result of discoloration from being
buried. The other two fragments seem to represent two other types of bowls or dishes.
Artifact number 124 represents a scalloped rimmed dish or bowl, with embossed,
scrolled, plant-like structures on its inside rim. The scalloping is shorter than on the
previous three fragments, and the embossing is not as finely finished. The final fragment,
artifact number 895, has the largest and most defined embossing out of all of the dish or
bowl rim fragments. The embossing is once again a scrolled plant-like structure encircling
the interior of the rim, and the fragment also displays the most extreme outward roll of
the rim out of the bunch.
The two plate rim fragments are representative of two different types of plates.
Artifact number 135 has a scalloped rim and embossed hashes running outward towards
the rim, as well as embossed lines following the general shape of the scalloping and
intercepting the hash marks. Artifact number 886 has a scalloped edge as well, yet has a
different embossing style displaying a dot pattern, which if connected with lines would
represent a series of oppositely facing equilateral triangles. These series of dots are also
defined with an embossed line generally following the pattern of the scalloping.
Of the undefined vessel type rim fragments, only six are embossed with patterns.
To begin with, artifact number 173 displays a scalloped edge, with an embossed line along
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the inner rim generally following the shape of the scalloping. Between the scalloped edge
and the line, there are also embossed feathery designs. Artifact number 175 displays a
rim which was apparently scalloped, with the scalloping undulating between thicker and
thinner portions. To enhance the difference in thickness, there is also an embossed line
running parallel with the median thickness area. Artifact numbers 176 and 590 are both
limited to an embossed pattern of dots on the inner surface of their rims. While artifact
number 898 displays a series of small embossed dots lining the inner rim, under which is
an embossed line, and under all of this is an embossed, plant-like structure, displaying
seeds, fruit of bulbous leaves. The final embossed rim fragment is number 913, which
displays a simple series of embossed dots on its inner rim surface.
Two impressed rim fragments are represented in this portion of the sample. The
fragments are represented by artifact numbers 736 and 1271, which both display an
impressed line which generally follows the pattern of their scalloped edges.
Of the remaining nine fragments of undecorated white earthenware rim fragments,
three are rolled outwards, while the remaining six display no outward rolling
characteristics. These remaining six fragments can further be divided into five fragments
which taper into rounded edges, while only one displays a slow taper with a basically
squared edge.
White Decal Decorated Earthenware Base Fragments:
There are seven decal decorated, earthenware base fragments represented in the
sample. Out of these seven, five are apparently the remains of dishes, while the other
two are too fragmentary to attain an accurate guess as to their original vessel type.
The five dish fragments seem to represent three different styles of dishes. The
first, artifact number 142, has a foot ring which indicates that the base was probably
shaped as an oval, and it also has the faint outline of a decal of what appears to be a
feathered wing. There are no maker's marks present, and the wing cannot be identified as
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belonging to any specific pattern. Artifacts 153 and 168 are apparently the remains of
the same type of dish, if not the same dish. Only 153 is decal decorated, yet 168 has a
nearly identical form and thickness of ware, so they are apparently from the same style of
decorated dish. Artifact 153 is decorated with a rose decal, displaying at least four pink
roses on a scrolled stem with green leaves. The fragments display no foot-ring, and the
base was entirely flat with an apparent oval shape. Artifact 153 also displays an
unidentifiable, ink-stamped, base manufacturer's mark, which is composed of a lion and a
unicorn on opposite sides of a vertical facing oval. The final two fragments of decorated
dish fragments are apparently from the same type of dish, or more likely the same dish.
Artifact number 188 has a foot-ring which appears to be forming an oval, as well as an
unidentified ink-stamped maker's mark consisting of the partial lettering, "DRES..." This
is more than likely the beginning of the word, "DRESDEN," yet, unfortunately, there are
a multitude of maker's marks which share this word, and none of them seem to exactly
match this one. The top side of artifact number 188 has the faint remains of a decal
displaying a woman driving an early automobile. No identifiable pattern has been found
to compare to this decal. Artifact number 606 appears to be from the same dish as it
shares an almost identical foot-ring in an oval form again, as well as having the same
distinctively faint decal remains of a mottled shading effect as is on number 188. This
fragment extends towards the rim, which is shaped as a shallow tapering dish.
The remaining two unidentified vessel type, decorated, earthenware base
fragments, are represented by artifact numbers 695 and 877. Both have foot-rings, and
they mainly differ in the type of decal displayed on each. Number 695 has the faint
remains of a flowering plant decal, while number 877 has a feathery green fern. Neither
pattern is distinctive enough to specifically identif', and neither fragment displays a
manufacturer's mark.
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White Earthenware Decal Decorated Body Fragments:
There are only two decal decorated white earthenware body fragments in the
collection. Neither have enough details to determine the type of vessel that they
originally came from. The first, artifact number 186, is decorated with a two-tone green
plant decal. The pattern is representative of many different plant decal decorated
ceramics of the early-twentieth century, and no definitive pattern name can be applied to
it. The other fragment is artifact number 1268, which displays a confusing jumble of
what appears to be colored bands, three bands which are so faded that it is impossible to
tell their original colors, and a larger orange band in the middle of the others. Again, no
discernible pattern name can be determined from this fragment.
White Earthenware Decal Decorated Handle Fragment:
Only one decal decorated, white earthenware handle fragment was recovered from
the site. Artifact number 115 is an ovaloid shaped handle, which exhibits a gentle curve
inwards. The handle is more than likely from a cup, due to its form and size, and its decal
decoration is limited to a tapering copper foil stripe on its outer convex curved surface.
This copper foil decoration was common at the turn of the twentieth century, and this
fragment probably dates to that period.
White Earthenware Decal Decorated Rim Fragments:
There are 26 decal decorated white earthenware rim fragments in the collection,
which can be divided into four fragments from cups, two from bowls or dishes, three from
saucers, and the remaining 17 which are too fragmented to determine what type of vessel
they originated from.
The four cup fragments seem to indicate four different styles of cups. The first,
artifact number 102, displays a simple, rounded, non-tapered edge, with a very faint
copper foil rim ring. There are no other markings or decorations present on the fragment.
In very similar fashion, artifact number 605 displays a rounded, slightly tapered edge,
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with a blue decal rim ring underscored with a very faint copper foil rim ring. The next,
artifact number 878, displays both embossing and decal decoration. The fragment gently
rolls outwards towards the rim, and the edge is rounded and slightly tapered. The rim is
embossed with a row of dots, underlined with a smooth wavy line. Inferior to this line is
an alternating row of wavy dots, which alternate between sitting upon an apex or a base,
in opposition to the wavy line. The whole series of embossed patterns is then
underscored by a straight embossed line. To complete the decorative elements on this
fragment, all of the embossing is then high-lighted with a garland-like decal, displaying
dark pink roses with green leaves. Finally, artifact number 899 displays a slightly rolled
outwards rim, which then gently tapers, and has a bulbous, yet pointed mid-section. The
fragment is decorated with a copper foil rim-ring, underscored with a scrolled plant-like
structure decal, with green, blue, and orange features. At the end of the scroll, a blue line
picks up, and one can imagine that it probably continued across the cup until it
intercepted the next scrolled plant-like structure decal. There are no other markings
present on this fragment.
The two fragments from either dishes or bowls are both rolled outwards and
scalloped. The only real difference between the two is in the style of decal on them.
Artifact number 106 displays a flowered decal, with pink and green coloration; while
artifact number 128 displays a scrolled, plant-like decal in a metallic foil (probably
copper). Neither fragment displays any other markings or decorations.
There are three decal decorated fragments which probably came from saucers, due
to the beginning of a depression towards the center of the vessel present on all of them.
Artifact number 112 displays a rounded, tapered edge, and is decorated with two decal
rim-rings, one in copper foil along the edge, and another in blue further in towards the
center. This is in contrast to the decal pattern on artifact number 136. This fragment also
has a rounded, tapered edge, and a copper foil rim ring. Yet, it has an extremely stylized,
scrolled, plant-like structure decal, in green and orange hues, which stretches from the rim
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to the depressed area on the fragment. The final fragment, artifact number 888, has
embossed decorations, as well as being decal decorated. The edge is once again tapered
and rounded, and the inner surface of the edge displays hashed lines radiating out from the
center of the vessel. A faded plant decal completes its decorations, and it is difficult to
say what type of plant it was modeled after, or what the original colors were.
The final 17 decorated rim fragments are too fragmented to determine their original
vessel type, yet their stylistic differences will still be noted to show the variations of
type present in this ceramic collection. These fragments can be broken down into three
further stylistic categories: those decorated with copper foil decals, those decorated with
colored rings, and those decorated with decals representing colored flowers.
The copper foil decorated fragments are represented by nine fragments, most of
which are additionally distinctive from each other. The nine fragments seem to be
representative of at least six different decoration styles. The first style is represented by
artifact number 118, which displays a tapered, rounded edge, no embossing, a copper foil
rim ring, and an inner green colored ring, which may actually be hand applied paint. The
second style is represented by artifacts 109, 156, and 914, which all display a slight
outward curved, tapered rounded edge, and a copper foil rim ring. The third style is
represented by artifacts 104 and 593, which both have tapered rounded edges with no
outward curve, and a copper rim ring which is placed slightly in from the rim, rather than
directly on it. A fourth style is represented by artifact number 685, which is embossed
with a scrolled, plant-like design, as well as having a double copper rim ring. The piece is
also scalloped along its edge, and the outer rim ring is thicker than the inner. Artifact
number 117 displays characteristics of the fifth style, having an indeterminate embossed
pattern, as well as a tapered, rounded edge, and a single, narrow, copper rim ring. The
final style is represented by artifact number 380, which is scalloped along its edge, and is
also impressed to make the rim section resemble a sea-shell in unison with the scalloped
edge. The decorative pattern is finished off with a single copper rim ring.
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There are only five fragments which display the characteristics of colored rim ring
decals. All five probably represent four separate vessels. To begin with, artifact number
111 has a slightly tapered and rounded edge, with the faint remains of a rim ring decal on
the apparent interior surface of its original vessel. The decal's remains are actually only
limited to an imprint in the glaze, so no color determination of the ring can be made.
Artifact number 185 displays a concave form, with a distinctive outward curve towards
the rim, finally ending with a slightly tapered and boxed rim edge. The fragment has a rim
ring glaze impression much like number 111, which again left no trace of its original color.
Artifacts 581 and 582 appear to have come from the same type of vessel if not the same
vessel. Both have slightly tapering rims with squared edges, as well as a faint blue rim
ring impression left in the glaze of the apparent interior surface of the vessel. Finally,
artifact number 1272 has a slightly outwards pointing rim, with a tapered, rounded edge.
The fragment displays two blue rings, one on the rim, and a narrower one approximately
1.4 cm under the rim ring.
The final three decal decorated rim fragments are decorated with colored flower
decals, and seem to represent three separate vessels. Artifact number 138 is decorated in
two ways, being embossed along its edge, and having a decal. The edge appears to have
had a scalloped shape, with an embossed pattern of two rows of dots, off-set from each
other to create the general image of a wave. These dots are then underscored by an
embossed line. A feathery pink and green flower decal is placed on both the flat surface
of the fragment and also on a portion of the embossing. Artifact number 585 also has a
scalloped edge, although there is no apparent embossing. The fragment has a decal
displaying leaves in two shades of green. The final fragment is represented by artifact
number 1265, which has no scalloping or embossing, only a sharply tapered, rounded
edge. The fragment displays the remnants of an eroded plant decal, which is only an
impression on the glaze, and leaves no trace of the colors of the decal. The image in the
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glaze appears to be that of a rose with leaves on a stem. None of these fragments could
be identified as to a specific pattern or manufacturer.
White Earthenware, Transfer Printed:
Two transfer printed white earthenware fragments were recovered from the site.
Both appear to be the remains of the same vessel; probably a shallow bowl, or a dish.
The fragments are represented by artifacts 171 and 875, 171 is just a rim section, while
875 extends from the base to the rim. The base does have a foot-ring, apparently circular
in original form, with a reconstructed, approximate diameter of 9.0 cm. The rim edges are
scalloped, and the transfer print is a deep indigo blue. The pattern itself extends from the
bottom edge of the inner base up to the rim, and can be described as being a background of
layered scales or ogives, with a flowered bush on the inner side of the pattern, and a series
of ivy vines encircling the rim. There are no manufacturer's marks present on either
fragment, and the pattern could not be identified either. Due to its color and transfer
printing, it can be guessed that these fragments were manufactured in the late-nineteenth
century, probably Ca. 1890.
White Earthenware Decal Decorated Cups:
There were two fragmentary, white earthenware cups recovered from the site.
Both are decal decorated, with colored decals as well as copper foil decals. The first,
artifact number 152, has a foot-ring with the approximate diameter of 4.7 cm, and a
reconstructed rim diameter of approximately 9.3 cm. In addition, the cup is
approximately 6.3 cm tall. The cup's handle is roughly ear-shaped, and has a single,
tapering copper foil stripe extending down its outside edge. On the opposite side of the
handle is a scrolled, plant-like design in copper foil. If viewed with the handle facing the
viewer, there are colored decals to the left and the right of the handle. To the right of the
handle is the decal of two sheep heading up a hill, with the with the apparent stanza of an
unknown poem reading: "I LEAVE THEM ALONE I AND THEY'LL COME HOME I
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AND BRING / THEIR TAILS BEHIND THEM." To the left of the handle and roughly
opposite of the previous decal is apparently the same poem and decal design. This edge
of the cup is fragmentary, and much of the decal is missing, however one half of a sheep is
present, with the words, "AND BRI.. .1 THEIR TAILS BEHIND..," over the sheep.
The second cup, artifact number 1264, has a foot-ring which is approximately 4.5
cm in diameter, with a reconstructed rim diameter of 9.5 cm, and an overall height of
approximately 6.2 cm. The cup's rim is flared outward, and the body is gently scalloped.
The handle is missing, yet the bases of the handle probably indicate that it was earshaped. The rim is decorated with a copper foil rim ring, and there are three copper foil
decals present on the cup, with their patterned spacing indicating that there were was
probably a fourth on the missing portion of the cup. There are two different styles of
copper foil decals represented. Using the handle as a fixed point again, the decals just to
the left and right of the handle can be described as large flowers with several leaves
surrounding their outer perimeters. The other decal is on the opposite side of the flower
to the left of the handle, and it has been unfortunately split in half by a missing fragment.
All that is present of this decal is apparently a garland tied by a large ribbon, which seems
to surround some other unknown form. To finish off the decoration on this cup, a single
colored decal exists, roughly centered between the flower to the right of the handle and the
garland. This decal is a single, opened pink rose, which is surrounded by rose leaves, and
a series of smaller white flowers.
No manufacturer's mark appears on either of these cups, and it can only be
speculated that due to their form and decoration patterns, that they were probably
manufactured in the early-twentieth century.
White Earthenware Decal Decorated Bowl:
A single, intact, white earthenware, decal decorated bowl was recovered from the
site. The bowl has a foot-ring, which measures approximately 7.1 cm in diameter, and the
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bowl's body generally flares outward in three stepped features, ending with an overall rim
diameter of 16.5 cm. The bowl measures approximately 4.3 cm in height. The bowl is
marked with two simple decal applied rings, one blue ring just inside of the rim, and
another, narrower ring, encircling the inner rim about .3 cm inside of the other. This
narrower ring has decayed, leaving only a faint impression in the glaze, therefore, the
original color of this decal is impossible to determine (see Figure 17). The bowl has no
other markings or manufacturer's marks, yet its shape and style seems to indicate an
estimated date range of manufacture of the last quarter of the nineteenth century, to the
first half of the twentieth century.
White Earthenware Decal Decorated Plate:
A single, nearly intact, white earthenware, decal decorated plate was recovered
from the site. The plate has a foot-ring with an approximate diameter of 12.7 cm, while
the outside rim of the plate has an approximate diameter of 23.7 cm. The rim of the plate
is scalloped, and the inner rim is embossed with a scrolled, plant-like structure which
encircles the entire plate. Decorative features include both copper foil decals, as well as
colored decals. The copper foil decal is limited to a rim ring, which basically follows the
scalloped edge. The colored decals are represented by pink roses with green leaves,
separated into four decals, placed along the rim section in four equally distanced quarters
(see Figure 17). The base of the plate is marked with an ink-stamped manufacturer's
mark, stating, "E.P.P.CO. / DE SOTO / CHINA." This is the marking of the East
Palestine Pottery Company, of East Palestine, Ohio, which was in operation from 1884 1904 (Lehner, 1988: 135). The "DESOTO," marking is more than likely the name of the
pattern of the decals on the plate, although no listing for its range of manufacture could be
found. More than likely, this pattern was one of the last used by the E.P.P. Co., as the
company was bought out by the W.S. George Company in 1904, which produced a very
similar pattern called, "Blossoms," as one of its first runs (Cunningham, 1982: 82 -83).
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White Porcelain Base Fragments:
There were five, white porcelain base fragments recovered from the site, and they
seem to represent four different styles of vessels. Two of these fragments seem to
represent small plates, while the other three are more than likely the remains of cups.
The first fragment, represented by artifact number 187, seems to be the remains of a small
plate. The fragment extends from the base to the rim, and it has a foot-ring. Using a bow
compass, the diameter of the foot-ring can be reconstructed to have been approximately
5.1 cm. There is not enough of the rim, however, to determine such a measurement. The
rim of the fragment is scalloped, and the rim is further decorated with a copper foil rim
ring. The piece also appears to have been decal decorated with colored flower decals,
however they have decayed, leaving only colorless impressions in the glaze.
The other apparent plate fragment, artifact number 900, has a very tall foot-ring,
which, using a bow compass, can be reconstructed as having an original diameter of
approximately of 5.2 cm. Unfortunately, there are no rim fragments present to
reconstruct an outside diameter of the plate. The center of the plate has a shallow
depression, and the outer ring of this depression is decorated with a copper foil rim ring.
There are no further decorative features present on this artifact.
Artifact numbers 179 and 876 are foot ring fragments apparently from the same
style of cup. The fragments are actually a very light gray, and both are too fragmented to
determine a reconstructed foot-ring diameter, however it appears to have been a small
diameter. The fragments have no decorative features present.
The final porcelain base fragment appears to be the remains of a cup. The
fragment has a thick, scalloped foot-ring, and interestingly enough, the interior surface of
the cup appears to have been scalloped as well. There are no decorative features present
on the cup, and like the rest of the porcelain base fragments, there are no manufacturer's
marks present on the cup.
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Figure 17. Decal decorated plate (top) and bowl recovered from Site ORBE2.
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White Porcelain Rim Fragments:
There were five, white porcelain rim fragments recovered from the site, three of
these being the remains of plates, one of a cup, and the last being indeterminate as to a
vessel type. The three plate fragments seem to represent two different plate types.
Artifact numbers 125 and 912 appear to be from the same type of plate, both having
embossed, scroll-like figures near their rim, as well as a scalloped edge, and a copper foil
rim ring. Artifact number 159 differs only in that it lacks the nm-ring, yet has copper foil
decoration in the form of a stippled decal. The embossing and the scalloped edge appear
to be almost identical to that on numbers 125 and 912.
Artifact number 599 appears to be the remains of a cup. The fragment displays a
slightly outward facing rim, with a tapered, rounded edge, and no decorative elements.
Unfortunately, the artifact is too fragmented to attain an estimated rim diameter, and no
markings exist on it to identify a date range of manufacture. Finally, artifact number 694
is from an undetermined vessel form, with a tapered, rounded edge, and no forms of
decorative elements.
White Porcelain Body Fragments:
There were 13 white porcelain body fragments recovered from the site, with none
of the fragments identifiable as to a vessel form. These fragments can only be categorized
as follows: five fragments which are of an extremely thin nature and undecorated, three
which are undecorated, three undecorated fragments of a slightly gray hue, one decal
decorated flat fragment, and one painted, curved fragment.
The two decorated fragments are perhaps the most diagnostic in the group, being
represented by artifact numbers 651 and 909. Artifact number 651 is oddly shaped,
resembling two balls melted together on an edge, then fractured on their opposite edges, as
well as through their middle diameter. The fragment is hand-painted with green and white
dots vaguely resembling flowers, with one on the top of each "ball." Artifact 909 is
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nowhere as complex, being only a relatively flat fragment of porcelain, with a green
outline decal which appears to have been painted blue and black within some of the
shapes to add color. The pattern cannot be determined due to the small decorated area
represented, however the green lines appear to represent a vegetated landscape.
Food Wrapping Materials
Aluminum Foil Fragments:
Three crumpled fragments of aluminum foil were recovered from the site. There is
little diagnostic information contained in these bits of foil, which could have been used to
wrap almost anything, and were probably manufactured after World War II.
Plastic Ice Cream Bar Wrapper:
A clear plastic wrapper with red and blue lettering stating, "NUT / SUNDAE /
ON A STICK / CHOCOLATE AND NUT COVERED / ARTIFICIAL VANTLLA / ICE
CREAM BAR," was recovered from the site. The wrapper states that the bar was made
by C000l-A-Coo Co. of Los Angeles, CA., and although no date appears on the wrapper,
it can be assumed that the wrapper is no older that the late 1970's due to the presence of
artificial flavoring and a computerized bar code.
Plastic Bread Wrapper:
The remains of a plastic bread wrapper was also recovered from the site. The
plastic is brown in color, and is lettered in white and black, "Sonny Boy / Sliced / Whe..."
Clearly, this wrapper was produced to package Sonny Boy sliced wheat bread, and it can
be dated to ca. 1975 - 1985, (Personal Knowledge).
Food
California Sea Mussel Shells:
Two mollusk shells identified as California Sea Mussel Shells, or Mytilus
californianus, were recovered from the site. The two shells are not from the same animal,
which indicates an MNT of at least two mussels. The first, artifact number 1176, is
encrusted with some type of coral structure, with its maximum dimensions being 6.0 cm x
3.7 cm x 1.3 cm. The other shell, artifact number 1177, does not have any encrustations,
and is brown and luminescent in colors, having maximum dimensions of 8.9 cm x 4.5 cm x
1.0 cm.
Chicken Bones:
There were a total of seven chicken bones recovered from the site. Of the seven,
one was a left coracoid, one was an innominate, one was a left femur, two were left
humerus', one was a fractured right occipital / parietal section, and one was a right
tibiotarsus. Only artifact number 447, the coracoid, was a whole bone, with five of the
remaining bones having been broken, and one having been cut. The MNJ represented by
the assemblage is two chickens, and the chicken bones represent 9.6% of the total number
of bones found in the site.
Cow Bones
Thirty-four cow bones were recovered from the site. Out of these 34 bones, the
following specific bones were identified: one was an atlas bone, three were femur
fragments which could not be sided, one was a right femur, one was a humerus, two were
innominate fragments, one was a metacarpal, one was a right radius, seven were ribs, two
were scapula fragments which could not be sided, three were left scapula fragments, one
was a right scapula fragment, three were tibia fragments which could not be sided, and the
remaining eight were vertebra fragments. Within this assemblage, only two of the bones
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were found whole, the rest either being cut (28), broken (3), or cut and broken (1). The
MNI of the cow bones was at least three individuals, while the cow bones represented
46.6% of the total number of bones recovered from the site.
Corn Cobs:
There were three desiccated corn cobs recovered from the site. No measurements
of the corn cobs were obtained, due to their desiccated nature, which would not allow for
an accurate measure of their original size. The only feature of note about the corn cobs is
that none of them are whole.
Littleneck Clam Shells:
Two mollusk shells recovered from the site were identified as being Littleneck
Clams, or Protothaca staminea. The shells mate with one another perfectly, making for an
MNI of one. Their approximate maximum dimensions are 5.5 cmx 4.3 cmx 1.9 cm.
Pig Bones:
There were a total of twelve pig bones recovered from the site. Out of these
twelve, the following bones were identified: two were femur fragments which could not
be sided, one was a right femur fragment, one was an innominate fragment, two were
metacarpals, two were ribs, one was a left scapula, one was a right scapula, one was a
tibia fragment which could not be sided, and one was a vertebra fragment. There were no
whole bones recovered in this assemblage, with ten of the bones showing evidence of
being butchered by being cut, one being broken, and only one which showed evidence of
being both cut and broken. The MNT of this assemblage is only one, with the pig bones
representing some 16.4 % of the total number of bones.
Turkey Bones
Only four of the bones found in the site were identified as being turkey bones.
These four bones were identified as being: one left femur, two right tibiotarsus', and one
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left ulna. None of these bones were recovered in a whole condition, with one bone
showing evidence of butchery through cutting, while the remaining three have been
broken. The MNI for the turkey bones is two individuals, while they represent only
5.5% of the total number of bones recovered.
Unidentified Bones:
Fifteen of the 73 bones recovered from the site could not be identified, either as a
specific bone, or as a species. This had to do with the condition of these particular bones,
being either too fragmented, or too deteriorated to obtain an accurate determination.
However, it was noted that among the unidentified bones, eight appeared to be cut
(probably through butchery), four had been broken, two were cut and broken, and only
one was a whole bone. The unidentified bones account for 20.5% of the total number of
bones recovered from the site.
Portable Illumination
A total of five, clear glass fragments, which appear to be lamp chimney fragments,
were recovered from the site. Only one of the fragments, artifact number 74, is complete
enough to determine a diameter measurement of 4.8 cm. This fragment is also labeled in
light gray, "MACBETH / NO 8 / PEARLGLA..." It is assumed that the last word would
have been completed to spell, "PEARLGLASS." This trademark is one of many used by
the Macbeth-Evans Glass Co., on their many types of lamp chimneys which they
produced in the first half of the twentieth century. The company was formed in 1899 by
a merger of the two major lamp chimney producers of the time, one founded by Thomas
Evans in 1869, the other by George A. Macbeth in 1872 (Pyne Press, 1972: 111). As
one company, Macbeth-Evans became the largest producer of lamp chimneys in the
country, although it is not known when they went out of business (ibid.). According to
the ca. 1900 Macbeth-Evans catalog reprinted by Pyne Press, a "No. 8" lamp chimney
was named a "Cebre," and was designed for the "Rochester, Royal, Miller and other
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Central-Draft Lamps" (1972: 120). This catalog goes on to describe this chimney as
having a fitting diameter of 2 5/8 in., a bulb 3 5/8 in. (wide?), and an overall height of 9
inches.
The remaining four fragments have no labeling on them at all, with three having
portions of a rim. Only two of these fragments are complete enough to yield an
estimated original diameter, with artifacts 32 and 80 both yielding a bow compass
diameter estimate of approximately 7.1 cm. Interestingly enough, when measured from
the rim side, both of these fragments have an approximate thickness of .055." This
probably indicates that they are from the same lamp chimney. The other two fragments
are too small to yield any diameter estimates, but they were measured also for their
thickness, and it was found that number 57 is approximately .047" thick, while number
365 is approximately .045" thick. This does not prove that they are from the same
object, and it is possible that any of these four fragments could be from some other
object, such as a glass or cup.
Portable Energy
A total of four battery carbons were recovered from the site. The carbons appear
to be representative of zinc / ammonium chloride I manganese dioxide / carbon style, dry-
cell batteries, which were first successfully developed by Gasner in 1888 (Mantell, 1983:
34). Two of the carbons are cylindrical, while the other two are flat and rectangular.
Both of the cylindrical carbons have been broken, therefore their original lengths are
impossible to detennine, however their diameters are: .504" for number 954, and .313"
for number 1014. The two rectangular carbons are essentially the same size, with artifact
number 121 5a having the dimensions: 1.224" x .372" x .151"; and number 121 5b having
the dimensions: 1.273" x .391" x .154". No data on identifiing dry-cell sizes through the
dimensions on surviving battery carbons could be obtained. This is unfortunate, and
apparently little research has been done on identifying battery carbon dimension changes
164
through time either; as any noted dimension changes through technological developments
could perhaps provide a useful dating tool on twentieth century sites.
Home Education, Information and Business
Internal Mechanisms to a Clock:
A rectangular iron plate with four triangular incisions, and a gear attached to it was
recovered from the site. It is assumed that this is a portion of the internal mechanisms to
a clock. The iron plate measures 6.6 cm x 5.2 cm, and has been bent in many areas. The
gear, which was pinned to the plate but has since fallen off, is composed of two separate
rings, an inner and an outer. The two rings are connected by four spokes, and the inner
ring has a perforation where it accepted an attachment pin. The entire gear has a diameter
of 2.2 cm and has 36 small teeth on its outer ring. There are no markings on the plate or
the gear, and its date range of manufacture can only be guessed at as being from the late-
nineteenth century, or the early-twentieth century.
Nose Cap to Pen:
A single stainless steel, internally threaded, nose cap to a ball pen was recovered
from the site. The nose cap is conically shaped, and is .475 cm in length, with a small end
diameter of approximately ..35 cm, and a large end diameter of.75 cm. No other parts of
the pen were recovered from the site, but judging from this nose cap's form it probably
came from a spring-loaded, retractable type, ball pen, of late-twentieth century
manufacture.
Paper Clip
A single Gem style paper clip was recovered from the site. The paper clip is
made of iron, with the remnants of its original chromed coating still being present in some
areas. The paper clip measures approximately 3.4 cm long, and is approximately .8 cm
wide. The Gem paper clip was never officially patented in the United States, but it
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seems to have been invented sometime in the late I 890s, with the majority of them being
produced during the twentieth century (Petroski, 1992: 5 1-71).
Plastic Self-Adhesive Label Tape:
A single strip of self-adhesive, plastic, impressed label tape was recovered from
the site. The tape is 1/4" wide, and 3 1/2" long, and was apparently made for a label
"gun" that took 1/4" wide tape. The tape is black overall, and the impressed letters are
white, and state, "MARK & ELENA RUDISILL." According to Polk's Corvallis City
I)irectorv, Mark and Elana Rudisill were residents of Corvallis between 1970-1974;
although they do not share the address with the structure on the site. The current owner
of the lot is an Ernest Rudisill, who has owned it since 1964. It is not known whether or
not the two men are related.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning
Mop Wringer Handle:
The remains of what appears to be an iron, mop wringer handle was recovered
from the site. Although no direct comparison could be found from extant mops or
illustrations, the handle just seems to resemble those found on mops (Brauner, Personal
Communication). The handle is approximately 30.8 cm long, and is composed of a piece
of .6 cm thick iron wire, which is bent into a rough "T" form. This forms the actual
handle portion of the wringer, which is attached to a shovel-shaped piece of flat iron by
protruding through two perforations much like a bucket handle. This shovel-shaped
portion has two further sets of perforations on these sideways-facing portions which are
apparently where it connected to the mop. More than likely, this mop wringer dates to a
mop which was manufactured in the early-twentieth century.
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Rubber Squeegee Blade:
A white rubber squeegee blade was recovered from the site. The blade is 29.4 cm
long, is 1.5 cm wide, and has a single linear .3 cm wide indentation paralleling one edge
approximately .2 cm in from that edge. This indentation is probably where the squeegee
blade was attached to its holder and handle. Due to the white, plastic nature of this
rubber blade, this rubber squeegee blade can probably be dated to the late-twentieth
century, probably post-1970.
Household Maintenance
C-Vise:
An iron C-vise was recovered from the site. The vise frame appears to have been
cast, then had all of its threaded parts added to it. At the base of the vise is a threaded
bolt which appears to have been welded into place. This bolt is .370" in diameter, which
is probably indicative of a 3/8" bolt. Using this bolt, one could then drill a 3/8" hole into a
working surface and then thread the vise in for a stable platform. At the end of the
shorter "C" arm is a threaded handle, with a circular, concave piece of iron attached to its
end. The handle is a simple "T" form, and the threaded bolt portion is .420" in diameter,
while the concave end-piece is approximately 1.042" in diameter. The handle itself is flat,
oval-like, and is 2.070" long x .830" wide. Overall, the vise is approximately 4.520" long,
with an outside frame width of 2.770", and an inner frame width of approximately 1.251".
This is definitely early-twentieth century technology, and perhaps could have even been
manufactured into the mid-twentieth century.
Claw-Hammer Head:
A single, apparently hand wrought, iron claw-hammer head was recovered from
the site. The hammer head has a round striking platform, yet has a square body, and two
gradually tapering rectangular claws. The striking platform is approximately 2.5 cm in
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diameter, while the body is approximately 2.6 cm by 2.5 cm. Overall, the hammer-head is
approximately 11.9 cm long. One of the claws is broken, while the other is bent to the
point that, when looked upon from side profile, the hammer head looks like a capital "J".
The center of the body is perforated with a single oval, about 2.5 cm long, and 1.0 cm
wide. This is apparently where the hammer's handle would have been fitted. This
hammer-head is apparently hand wrought due to its crude form, and its design. The
square body with its handle perforation indicates that it started as two pieces of iron,
which were combined in such a way as to leave the handle opening, yet left divided on
one end to create the claws. Afterwards, the striking platform was rounded, then the
claws were elongated and tapered to their ends (see Figure 18). Although not unheard of
by the early-twentieth century, such black-smith-made items were probably rare in this
time period due to the presence of industrially-made items. Therefore, a date range of
manufacture of the mid-nineteenth century, or earlier, can probably be assigned to this
hammer-head (David Brauner, Personal Communication).
Flat Mill File
A single flat mill file was recovered from the site. The file is approximately 25.9
cm long, 2.0 cm wide at its base, and has a thickness of approximately .4 cm. By its
symmetry, and by the uniform file lines on its surfaces, it can probably be said that this
file was machine made. Such machine made flat files have apparently existed since at least
1895, (and probably earlier) when they were advertised by Montgomery Ward & Co.
(1969: 360). Therefore, this file can probably be dated to the late-nineteenth century to
the mid-twentieth century, due to its level of corrosion.
Hack Saw Blade Fragment
A fragmented end to a hack-saw blade was recovered from the site. The blade end
has an oval end, with a perforation approximately .5 cm from its edge. The blade
measures approximately 2.8 cm x 1.5 cm, and has 17 small teeth present along one edge.
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The blade appears to have been snapped somehow at the noted breaking point. The
remnants of a coat of blue paint are also present on certain areas of the blade, but the
blade is mostly just corroded iron now. Machine-made hack saw blades appear to have
been in production by at least the late-nineteenth century, but judging from the presence
of the paint on this blade, this one was probably manufactured in the early-to-mid-
twentieth century.
Paint Brush Handle:
An intact wooden paint brush handle was recovered from the site. The handle is
flat and ovaloid in profile, and gently increases then decreases in size from its tip, then
increases once again to the brush attachment area. The brush is an overall black color, but
it is not apparent if this is an original colored paint, or a degraded paint which was
originally another color. An impressed number "2" appears about mid-way up the
handle, and this probably corresponds with the brush size. The remnants of an iron band
also exist around the brush attachment area, and this was apparently to aid in keeping the
bristles on the brush. The handle is approximately 5 1/2" long, and its head size is 2"
across, which probably corresponds with the number "2" impressed on the handle. It is
rather difficult to date this handle, yet the use of wood rather than plastic as a primary
material probably indicates that it was manufactured between the late-nineteenth century
and the mid-twentieth century.
Paint Bucket
A tinned iron paint bucket was recovered from the site. The bucket is quite
degraded, with perhaps 30% of it missing to corrosion, and its lid is not present either. A
thin layer of dried paint lines the bottom of the bucket, as well as one of its sides. The
paint is very degraded also, as well as having picked up a substantial amount of foreign
material, mostly soil. This paint ranges in color from white to dark gray, and it is difficult
to tell what its original color would have been. The bucket is approximately 20.0 cm tall,
and has a base diameter of approximately 15.9 cm. The side seam of the bucket is limited
to about a 5 cm length, but from this it appears that it was a double seam (Rock, 1987:
6). There are no signs of any product labeling on the outside of the bucket, so paint
company differentiation is impossible, and a date range of manufacture can only be stated
as being in the twentieth century.
P1tr 1iu*pt
A tinned iron plaster bucket was recovered from the site. The original plaster
contents still occupy approximately half of the interior of the bucket, and a paper label is
still present as well. The label is an overall orange color, with white bordering and black
lettering. In large letters across the top of the label is the following product identifier,
"..na-Tone Finish". Underneath this within a black banner in white lettering is, "for /
PERFECTION / PLASTER / WALLBOARD / The Original Plaster Wallboard of the
West". To the right of this, is the claim, "Easy / to / Apply", and underneath is a white
oval with the color definer "IVORY / NO. 2335". To either side of this oval is the
volume of the bucket and its contents, with the words, "ONE" and "GALLON"
separated by the oval. Finally, on the bottom of the label is a large white rectangle which
says, "RASMUSSEN & CO. / PORTLAND AND SEATTLE". The can is
approximately 18.2 cm tall, and is 17.0 cm in diameter, and it appears to have a lock side
seam (Rock, 1987: 5). No references to the Rasmussen & Co. could be found, yet
judging from the style of the label, the date range of manufacture for the bucket can be
guessed as being in the early-twentieth century.
Push Broom Head Fragments:
Two wooden and bristle fragments to a push broom head were recovered from the
site. The fragments are quite degraded, and consist of what appears to have been a
wooden bar with several holes drilled in one side into which were placed bundles of hair
170
or plant fiber bristles. There are 13 individually drilled holes for fitting the bristle clusters
into the larger fragment, while the smaller fragment has only four of these holes. Two
groups of bristles are still present; they are black in color, and are approximately 2.5 cm
long. The larger of the two wooden fragments has what appears to be the remnants of a
threaded hole drilled through it. The hole has been broken in half, but appears to have
been about 2.1 cm in diameter originally, and probably represents where the handle for
the broom originally fit. Judging from the Sears, Roebuck & Co. catalog of 1897, it is
apparent that similar machine-made push brooms were being manufactured in the late-
nineteenth century. Due to the degree of degradation of this broom head, it is probable
that the date range of manufacture for the broom can be listed as the late-nineteenth
century to the early-twentieth century.
Laundry
Clothing Hanger Wire:
Two fragments of what appears to be clothing hanger wire were recovered from
the site. The first fragment is quite bent, relatively short, and is only 120" in diameter.
.
The other wire is basically intact, having only been ripped apart and bent out of form.
The hanger hook for the wire is still intact, having been braided together from both ends of
the wire. This wire has a diameter of approximately .145". Due to the level of corrosion
present on these hangers, and due to the heaviness of their stock, they can probably be
dated to the early-to-mid-twentieth century.
Sad Iron:
A single "Mrs. Mary F. Potts," style sad iron was recovered from the site. The
iron can be described as being boat-shaped, measures approximately 15.7 cm in length, is
7.5 cm in width, and is approximately 5.0 cm in thickness (all measurements taken from
the top side of the iron). The iron weighs in at exactly 5.0 lb., which after accounting for
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the removal of oxidation, is close to the stated weight of 5 1/8 lb. for a No. 2 style Mrs.
Potts sad iron (Sears, Roebuck and Company, 1968: 100). This style of iron was first
patented on May 24, 1870, and was manufactured by the following companies: Chalfant
Foundry, Enterprixe Mfg. Co., American Machine Co., Kenrick & Sons (England),
Grossag (Germany), and Colebrookdale Iron Foundry, which manufactured them until
1953 (Franklin, 1992: 70). Unfortunately, no foundry identification marks remain on
this particular example. This style of iron had a removable oak handle, which is missing
from this example, yet the two sockets which the handle would have fit into are still
clearly visible on the top of the iron (see Figure 19).
Sewing
Paper Instructions for a Zipper:
A frayed and degraded piece of paper, which appears to be the instructions for
sewing a zipper onto a garment, was recovered from the site. The paper is a light gray in
color, and has black lettering printed on it. The printing has been torn through, but reads
in part: "When the / and should be hidde.../ zipper. If any stitching...! neatly done." To
the left of this printing is a schematic drawing of a zipper. Due to the gray paper, and the
style of the printing, this artifact can probably be dated to the late-twentieth century,
probably post-1980.
Paper Label to a Thread Spool:
A paper end label to a spool of thread was recovered from the site. The label is
circular, and is mostly gold colored with black labeling. A black ring exists around the
edge of the label, within which appears the words, "THE CLARK THREAD
COMPANY", in gold labeling. Within this ring is a gold ring with black lettering reading,
"CLARK'S BEST SIX CORD". And within this is a black circle with gold lettering,
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s(:.LE
'(HI
Figure 18. Hand-wrought hammer head, and iron nut recovered from Site ORBE2.
Figure 19. A full-sized Mrs. Pott's Sad Iron (top), showii together with a toy sad iron,
both recovered from Site ORBE2.
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which is unfortunately indecipherable. At the bottom of the outer ring is a golden shield,
within which is printed in black, the number, "50". This may correspond to the price of
the spool of thread, .50 cents, or perhaps to the thread diameter. According to the Coats
& Clark World Wide Web Home Page, the Clark Thread Company and J & P Coats
consolidated, yet kept separate identities in 1896. They did not merge to become Coats
& Clark Inc. until 1952 (http://web.craftnet.org/coats/, Feb. 1, 1996). Therefore, it is
likely that this spool label is representative of the period when the two companies were
consolidated, yet separate, and can be dated to ca. 1896 - 1952.
Safety Pin
A broken safety pin was recovered from the site. The pin is missing the entire pin
shaft, with only the safety head, the opposite shaft, and the spring being present. The
pin appears to be made from iron, coated in nickel, much of which is flaking off and
allowing the base iron to corrode. The remnants of the pin are 5.2 cm long. The safety
pin was invented and patented by Walter Hunt of New York in 1849 (Petroski, 1992:
94). This makes it possible for this particular pin to have been produced anywhere
between Ca. 1850-1993, however by the level of corrosion present, it can be assumed that
it was probably manufactured between Ca. 1950-1993.
Wooden Thread Spools:
Four wooden thread spools were recovered from the site. The first of these,
artifact number 246, is 4.9 cm long, has a single .7 cm diameter perforation through its
center, and has raised ends to keep the spooled thread on. These ends have a diameter of
2.9 cm, while the inner drum has a diameter of 2.0 cm. There are no markings or labels
present on the spool. The second spool, artifact number 251, appears to be a modified
spool, having had its raised ends removed. This spool remnant is approximately 3.1 cm
long, has a diameter of 2.1 cm, and has a center perforation .7 cm in diameter. There are
no markings or labels present on this spool either. The final two spools were recovered
174
together, having been strung together through their center perforations on a length of
narrow gauge brass or copper wire. Both of these spools are identical in shape and
dimensions, with overall lengths of 3.1 cm, raised end diameters of 2.5 cm, and inner drum
diameters of 2.1 cm. The wire which holds these two spools together is only .039" in
diameter, and its length is unknown due to its many overlapping coils. One of these
spools still has a paper label attached to one end. The label is gold and black, alternating
between the background and the lettering. The label is roughly separated into two
different circles, the outer of which is split in half, with a black portion, and a gold
portion. The upper-half of this circle is gold, with the black markings, "J.& P. COATS".
The lower-half of this circle is black, with the golden markings, "MERCERIZED". The
inner circle is all in black, with the gold markings, "100 YDS". This was obviously a
spool which held 100 yards of mercerized cotton thread, of an unknown color. The
mercerization process of strengthening cotton cloth using sodium hydroxide was patented
by John Mercer in 1850, but it did not become a commercially successful process until it
was done using tension on the thread in Germany, in 1895 (Wilson, 1982: 83). In
addition to this, according to the Coats & Clark World Wide Web Home Page, the Clark
Thread Company and J & P Coats consolidated, yet kept separate identities in 1896.
They did not merge to become Coats & Clark Inc. until 1952
(http://web.craftnet.org/coats!, Feb. 1, 1996). Therefore, it is likely that this spool label is
representative of the period when the two companies were consolidated, yet separate,
andcanbedatedtoca. 1896- 1952.
Binding Materials
A piece of extremely degraded, coiled rope was recovered from the site. The rope
is composed of multiple strands of apparently braided fibers, which appear to be natural,
due to their lack of symmetry, and their many, frayed ends. The material is an overall
dark brown, and emits a strong, petroleum-like odor. Using the burn test procedure
175
which was performed on the textiles, the rope's fibers have very similar characteristics of
natural cellulosic fibers, such as cotton or flax (Joseph, 1981: 24-25). More than likely,
however, this rope fragment represents the remains of a piece of Manila hemp rope, as
Manila hemp is a natural cellulosic fiber as well. Without carbon dating, there is no
definite way to determine the date range of manufacture for this artifact.
Pet Maintenance
Dog Collar:
A leather dog collar was recovered from the site. The collar is made of leather,
has iron fittings consisting of a "D" style buckle, a loop (probably for a license or tag),
and a spring-closing grapple hook. The collar is still looped around and closed via the
buckle, and is 2 cm wide by 24.4 cm long. It must be pointed out, however, that the
leather is quite desiccated, and possible shrinkage must be taken into account when
considering these dimensions. The leather is looped with the hide side facing out. The
buckle is approximately 2.7 cm x 3.9 cm, while the ioop is an ovaloid shape with the
maximum dimensions of 4.2 cm x 3.7 cm. The oval form may be intentional, but it
appears more that the loop was bent out of a circular form. The spring clip is 6.7 cm long
overall, and attaches to the collar via an integral "D-shaped" loop. The end is shaped like
a hook, and the spring closes into the end of the hook to provide a contained loop to
which a leash is attached. Judging from turn-of-the century catalogs, the spring-clip style,
hooked dog leash was available and popular during that time period. Due to this, and the
level of corrosion present on the iron, this collar's period of manufacture can probably be
dated to the early-twentieth century.
Dog Collar Fragment:
The apparent remains of another dog collar was also recovered from the site. The
fragment consists of a piece of cut leather, which is desiccated, and degraded at both ends.
176
The leather has been formed in a rough "U" shape, and there are two buckle closure
perforations present on one end. In its present form, the collar measures approximately
7.6 cm in length, by 1.4 cm in width. The leather is looped with its hide side fa1
in.
There are no markings apparent on the leather, and this, together with the lack of metal
accouterments, makes it difficult to determine a date range of manufacture for tlthr.
Dog Leash "C" Coupling:
An iron "C" coupling connected to five chain lengths, which is apparently from a
dog leash, was recovered from the site. The coupling has a spring-loaded closure, as well
as a pivoting attachment, where it couples with the chain lengths. The first chain length is
made from .255" diameter wire, while the next three are made from .125" wire, and the
final chain length is oddly composed of braided wii twisted into aoop. Overall, the
entire assemblage has a length of approximately 22.4 cm. This type of spring-loa
"C"
coupling seems to have been developed in the early-twer$htentury, and can stilt be
purchased today.
Architecture
There are nine sub-categories represented under the heading, "Architecture," in
Sprague's typology. Five of these sub-categories were represented in this heading, and no
new sub-categories were created. The sample is represented by the following subcategories (in bold), with their types and their corresponding numbers of artifacts:
Construction : Materials (295), Hardware (133); Plumbing (40); Fixed Illumination
(6); Fixed Power (31); and Fixed Heating and Cooling (2).
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Construction
Construction Materials
Brick Fragments, Unmarked:
A total of six unmarked, fired brick fragments were recovered from the site. Only
three of these fragments are complete enough to register any diagnostic measurements
from. These three brick fragments will be described using as many of the typological
descriptors from Karl Gurke's, Bricks and Brickmaking A Handbook for Historical
Archaeology, as each fragment allows, with the primary descriptive categories being:
manufacturer's marks, odds and ends, dimensions, and color (1987: 100-117).
To begin with, artifact number 707 appears to display the manufacturer's marks
of having been a hand-made, sand-struck, soft-mud brick; as four sides of the brick
display a sandy, granular surface, while one displays hollowed out gouges where the
strike planed some chunkier portions of clay away (Gurke, 1987: 102-105). This brick
fragment displays no features which Gurke labels as, "Odds and Ends" (ibid.: 111).
Although this is only a partial fragment of a brick, there is enough of the brick left to
obtain measurements in two dimensions. The intact surfaces yield original measurements
of 3.97" (10.1 cm) x 2.35" (5.9 cm). These two dimensions seem to match the dimensions
of a standard National Brick Makers Association of America, Norman brick, which would
have had original dimensions of 12 x 4 x 2 3/8 in. (ibid.: 117). According to Gurke,
Norman bricks, "are made larger generally for architectural effect and are used for face
work." (1987: 117). Color-wise, the brick is what can be called a "salmon" color, and is
unusually an equal color inside and out, probably indicating that the brick was very
evenly fired.
The second brick fragment, artifact number 1296, displays the manufacturer's
marks of also being a hand-made, sand-struck, soft-mud brick, for the reasons listed
above. Once again, there are no "Odds and Ends," features, arid once again, there is
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enough of the brick left to obtain measurements in the last two dimensions. These
surfaces yield measurements of 4.30" (10.2 cm) x 2.40" (6.1 cm). These dimensions are
close to those set by the National Brick Makers Association of the United States for a
Norman brick. This particular brick fragment is multi-hued, having different tones when
comparing the exterior and interior surfaces of the brick. All sides are a dark "salmon,"
however the outer surfaces of the brick are darker than the inner surfaces, which is
probably only representative of the weathering which the outside of the brick received
compared to the inside.
The final unmarked brick fragment, artifact number 1297, has very similar
attributes of those listed above; being a hand-made, sand-struck, soft-mud brick. The
remaining two measurable dimensions of the brick come to 3.97" (10.1 cm) x 2.37" (6.0
cm), which seem to come close to the standard dimensions set for a Norman brick. This
brick displays the greatest range of color variation, having some kind of white chalky
staining which adheres to five sides of the brick in an almost layered affect. This is
apparently due to some kind of weathering agent which the brick fragment was exposed
to after it was broken. The remaining unstained portions of the brick are also an overall
dark "salmon" color, however, the interior of this brick has a darker patch towards the
center, which is actually darker than the exterior of the brick. This could be what Gurke
refers to as a, "black core," or a darkened interior patch of a brick due to too rapid heating
during the firing process (1987: 127).
Brick Fragment, Marked:
A single marked, fired brick was recovered from the site. This brick fragment
seems to display the manufacturing marks of having been dry-pressed, as the outer
surfaces of the brick are smooth, with larger "squished" grainy particles being present
(Gurke, 1987: 111). The edges of the brick are also quite sharp, although somewhat
eroded. The brick measures 4.22" (10.7 cm) x 2.49" (6.4 cm). These dimensions seem to
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correspond with those given for a standard brick for the Union Brick Company, of
Portland, Oregon, of 8 3/4 inches long, 4 1/4 inches wide, and 2 1/2 inches thick (ibid.:
118). Coloration seems to be an overall "salmon" color, inside and out, and this would
seem to go along with the markings which indicate that this is a dry-pressed brick.
Finally, the fragment displays the impressed letters, "EM," which could be the first two
letters of any number of marks listed by Gurke (ibid.: 232). These marks are listed in
Table 4.
Brick, Whole:
A single, whole, perforated brick was recovered from the site. This brick has very
smooth outer textures and sharp corners, and it does not display any strike features.
Therefore, it is probably safe to say that this brick was dry-pressed. The brick measures
8.1" (20.4 cm) x 3.84" (9.7 cm) x 2.21" (5.6 cm). These dimensions seem to correspond
to those given for a N.B.M.A. standard face brick (Gurke, 1987: 117). The brick
displays an overall red-brown color, with splatterings of white mortar which are still
adhered to the brick. Finally, the most distinguishing feature of this brick is that it has
three evenly spaced circular perforations through it. These perforations are
approximately .75" (2.9 cm) in diameter and were placed through the brick for a number
of apparent reasons. Gurke lists these reasons as being: to help catch the mortar, to
lighten the brick, to use less material per brick, and to ensure more even firing (1987:
112).
Chinking Fragments:
Five fragments of window chinking or caulk were recovered from the site. All of
the chinking appears to be of the same material, with all of the fragments displaying the
same dirty-white, or off-gray color, and hard, plastic texture. Judging from the fact that
180
Table 4. Embossed Brick Markings Which Start With the Letters "EM," From Gurke,
1989
Brand
EMBOSSED
EMBOSTEX
EMPIRE
EMPIRE
EMPIRE
EMPIRE
EMSCO
Company
Streator Brick Co.
Streator Brick Co.
A.P. Green Fire Brick Co.
Minor Fire Brick Co.
Stowe-Fuller Refactories Co.
Western Brick Co.
Emsco Refractories Co.
State
Dates
IL
IL
1930-1931
1919
1919-1942
MO
OH
OH
IL
CA
1921
1927-1930
1911-1931
1930
*Note there are a total of 14 different "EMSCO" variations, all produced by the
Emsco Refactories Co. of CA., between 1930-1942.
all of the chinking was dried in the shape of having been placed in a corner, most of the
fragments were probably placed in between window panes and sashes, or between
window sills and walls.
Composite Roof Tile Fragments:
The 14 composite roof tile fragments which were recovered from the site are
probably the evidence of a replaced roof The present structure on the site (as of
January, 1996), has a flat sheet, aluminum roof, therefore, the composite roof tile
fragments are probably representative of an earlier composite shingle roof on the structure
which was torn off and replaced with the aluminum siding.
Concrete Fragment:
A single, square-edged fragment of concrete was recovered from the site. It
appears that this piece of concrete is architecturally related, due to the presence of a
finished seal on the flattest face. This seal is either some sort of plaster (which would
indicate that this was a portion of a wall), or some type of adhesive cement. Either way,
it is interesting to note that this flat face was apparently constructed to have been seen,
and was finished with the largest pieces of aggregate gravel away from this face.
181
Flat Clear Glass Fragments:
A total of 194 flat clear glass fragments, which are probably broken window glass,
were recovered from the site. Using Roenke's flat glass dating methods, all of the glass
fragments were measured for their thickness in inches using a dial caliper (Roenke, 1978).
The results of this analysis, and the number of fragments in their corresponding date range
of manufacture using Roenke's data follows in Table 5 and Table 6.
Flat Clear Etched Glass Fragments:
Four fragments of clear etched glass were recovered from the site. The fragments
are divided evenly between two patterns of etching. Artifact numbers 1079 and 1080
have a light, feathery fern pattern etched into one side of the glass, in a positive pattern
(the background is clear, while the pattern is translucent). Both of the fragments also
have a thickness of. 120". The other fragments, numbers 224a and 364, have a plant-like
pattern also, although much less natural and more stylized. This pattern is a negative one,
having a hazed, translucent background, and a clear pattern. Number 224a has a thickness
of.114", while number 364 has a thickness of. 117". More than likely, these glass
fragments represent a decorative window from the structure on the site, or decorative
glass from furniture. In either case, they probably date from the early-to-mid twentieth
century.
Flat Clear Wired Safety Glass Fragment:
A single fragment of internally wired, clear safety glass was recovered from the
site. The fragment is .261" thick, and has thin, apparently iron, wire molded into its
center. The wire appears to have been in a rough diamond form at one time. This is
probably the remnants of a window from the structure on the site, and is definitely of
mid-to-late-twentieth century manufacture.
182
Table 5. Thickness of Flat Glass Fragments Recovered From Site ORBE2
Thickness
.040"
.044"
.066"
.067"
.068"
.069"
.070"
.071"
.072"
.073"
.075"
.077"
.078"
.080"
.081"
.082"
.083"
.084"
.085"
.086"
.087"
.088"
.089"
.090"
.091"
.093"
.094"
.095"
.096"
.097"
N Sample
1
2
1
1
1
1
4
2
2
1
3
2
1
3
6
5
3
3
5
6
5
5
6
8
2
3
3
13
11
7
Thickness
.098"
.099"
.100"
.101"
.102"
.103"
.104"
.105"
.106"
.107"
.109"
.111"
.113"
.114"
.115"
.116"
.118"
.119"
.120"
.122"
.123"
.125"
.128"
.130"
.131"
.132"
.133"
.144"
.146"
.147"
N Sample
4
8
3
1
5
4
4
6
2
1
3
2
2
1
3
3
1
2
4
2
3
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
183
Table 6. Dates of Manufacture for Flat Glass From Site ORBE2 Using Roenke's Primary
Mode Data
Dates
Primary Mode in Use (In.)
N Sample
% of Sample
1835-1845
.045-.055
3
1.55%
1845-1855
.065
4
2.06%
1850-1865
.075
15
7.73%
1855-1885
.085
47
24.23%
1870-1900
.095
64
32.99%
1900-1915
.105
29
14.99%
>1915
>105
32
16.49%
Linoleum Fragments:
21 fragments of two different patterned linoleum floor coverings were recovered
from the site. Four of these fragments have a pattern in brown, green, red, and black,
which consists of fairly random straight and curved lines. Although it is difficult to say
for sure, some of these patterns may resemble large, deciduous leaves. The remaining
fragments of linoleum have a pattern in brown, black, yellow, and tan. Overall, the
background is in brown, with black, yellow, and tan hash lines running in parallel lines,
and yellow lines creating geometric patterns, such as triangles and squares. Dating these
fragments without finding their exact pattern would probably be next to impossible, but
one can be sure that they are post-1863, the invention date attributed to linoleum
(Random House, 1992: 790).
Plaster Fragments:
Twenty-one fragments of interior wall plaster were recovered from the site. All of
the fragments have a small aggregate backing, with a painted face. Two colors of paint are
represented in the sample, a light yellow, and an off-white; although the possibilities of
184
color fading and degradation are quite possible. It is probable that these plaster chips
were from an interior wall from the structure on the site, which was either repaired,
replaced, or torn down at some time, resulting in the disposal of the wall fragments on the
site. Due to this, these plaster chips can probably be dated to the early-twentieth
century, after 1910, when the structure on the site was constructed.
Plaster-Board Fragments:
A total of 26 plaster-board fragments were also recovered from the site. All of the
fragments have one face which has a degraded layer of white paint on it. It is highly
probable that these plaster-board fragments, like the plaster fragments described above,
were from an interior wall from the structure on the site, which was either repaired,
replaced, or torn down. The resulting recovered debris can likewise be dated to the early-
twentieth century, after 1910, when the structure was constructed.
Red Ceramic Tile Fragments:
Two fragments of what appears to be the same style of red ceramic tile were
recovered from the site. Both of the fragments are approximately .90" in thickness, with
two smooth, flat surfaces on each. These surfaces are unglazed, and both the outer and
inner surfaces of the fragments are the same red hue. One of the fragments appears to
have a cut, straight edge, which would seem to indicate that the tiles were square or
rectangular in shape, and were therefore probably used to cover a flat surface.
Octagonal Porcelain Tile:
A single, octagonal, pink porcelain tile was recovered from the site. The tile is
approximately 2.6 cm from side to side, with a thickness of .6 cm. It appears from the
type and size of the tile that it would have been used to create a tiled (perhaps even a
mosaic) floor. There appears to be the remains of cement on one edge, which probably
185
indicates that this tile was used at one point, and was either removed to replace an entire
floor, or was removed after it became loose.
Siding End-Cuts, Inlayed:
Six inlayed, wooden, end-cut siding fragments were recovered from the site. The
fragments appear to be the ends of the siding boards from the structure on the site, which
were cut off in order to fit the boards into place. All of the fragments are inlayed on one
end, while having a round ended, narrow knob on the opposite end, which would have fit
into the inlay on the next board. All of the fragments are approximately 3.5" in height
from the knob to the inlayed end, yet there are noticeable differences in widths and
lengths. Four of the fragments are composed of boards which were approximately .75"
thick, while the remaining two fragments are only about .60" thick. These two fragments
are also inlayed on both of their flat surfaced sides, approximately half-way between each
end. This causes the two fragments to appear as an hour-glassed shape in profile. It is
supposed that these two fragments represent finer finished siding used for decorative
purposes, however no similar inlayed boards have been observed on the present structure.
As these end-cut fragments are representative of construction, they must date to either
the original construction date of ca. 1910, or to the later additions, which were added in
Ca. 1920-1921.
Construction Hardware
Door Knob Fragment:
A white porcelain door knob fragment was recovered from the site. The fragment
represents approximately 114 of a doorknob, being the face of the rear end of the knob,
which would have faced the latch mechanism. The knob apparently broke in half (across
the diameter), and also down the middle (across the circumference). The center hole
where the knob through-shaft would have been is partially present, and oddly enough it is
186
round, as most appear to be square (this provides better resistance when the knob is
turned). Using a bow compass to estimate the original diameter of the door knob, a
measurement of approximately 6.0 cm was produced.
Door Lock Catch:
An iron forged, door lock catch was recovered from the site. The lock catch is
essentially rectangular in form, with two open sides, forming an "L" shaped basin with
closed ends. The catch has the following dimensions: 10.3 cm x 2.3 cm x 1.8 cm. The
face of the catch, which was apparently made to face outwards from the door jam, is
decorated with raised lines around its edges, as well as a line which is parallel to its open
facing edge, which is approximately .3 cm from that edge. There are also two .6 cm
diameter perforations on either side of this face, which is apparently where the mounting
screws would have been fitted. In order to mount this catch, the door jam would have
required a space cut out, yet this would have provided a much more secure lock, as the
lock would have been caught by iron, rather than wood. This lock catch probably has a
date range of manufacture of the Ca. 1900-1930, judging from the door locks available
during that time period.
Gutter Bracket:
A "U" shaped, steel gutter bracket was recovered from the site. The bracket still
has a coat of degraded white paint on its convex surface, as well as two wire drawn tacks
still perforating either edge. The tacks measure 1.8 cm and 2.0 cm long, respectively. The
bracket itself is composed of a single piece of thin steel, which is approximately 9.0 cm x
2.9 cm. Judging from several late-nineteenth century Sears & Roebuck catalogs, the type
of iron gutters which this bracket seems to be from apparently dates from the late-
nineteenth century. However, this particular one is probably associated with the initial
1910 construction date of the structure on the site.
187
Gutter Elbow Joint:
The remnants of a steel gutter elbow joint was recovered from the site. The joint
is constructed of steel which has been folded in on itself along one side in several lines, in
order to create a seamless bend. White paint still adheres to much of the gutter joint,
although overall it is a dark, corroded iron color. Like the above-mentioned gutter bracket,
this gutter elbow probably dates to the construction date period of Ca. 1910, and its
presence is the evidence of gutter replacement on the structure on the site.
Machine Cut Square Nails:
A total of ten machine cut square nails were recovered from the site (see Figure
20). Out of these ten: three were fragmented shafts without heads, two were whole
shafts without heads, two were whole but bent, and the remaining three were whole and
virtually undamaged. The three fragmented shafts without heads yielded little diagnostic
information other than they were square, machine cut nails. The whole shafts with
missing heads were complete enough to obtain measurements, so they are included with
the rest of the nails in this analysis. Of the nails which could be analyzed, one was a id
nail measuring only 7/8" long, while the remaining six nails were all 2 1/2" long 8d nails.
All of these nails can be dated to the late nineteenth century, and probably into the first
decade of the twentieth century, and are probably representative of the last of the
transition from square stock nails to round wire drawn nails (David Brauner, Personal
Communication).
Threaded Eye
A screw-threaded eye was recovered from the site. The threaded eye is
approximately 4.920" long, and has a shaft diameter of .250", which is representative of
No. 15 gauge screw wire (Graham and Emery, 1923: 64). The screw portion of the eye is
finished in a gimlet point, and the threads are approximately .310" in diameter. The eye
portion has simply been turned in upon itself, and has an outside diameter of
188
approximately 1.195". Portions of a braided steel wire which were apparently wrapped
to the eye are still present, yet give liffle clue as to the apparent use of this particular eye.
More than likely, due to the level of corrosion present on the eye and its apparent
machine-made manufacture style, its date of manufacture is probably in the early-
twentieth century.
Washer:
A hand-wrought iron washer was recovered from the site. The washer is circular,
and is crudely made out of iron plate which is approximately .275" thick. The outside
diameter of the washer varies, with the largest reading being approximately 1.90", and the
center perforation has a diameter of approximately .300". Such hand forging techniques
are more representative of early-nineteenth century manufacture, but more than likely this
washer was probably manufactured in the late-nineteenth century or early-twentieth
century, and is representative of the transition from local black-smithing to non-local
industrially manufactured hardware items.
Wire Drawn Nails:
A total of 113 wire drawn nails were recovered from the site. Thirteen different
penny weights of nails are represented in this sample, as well as four different styles of
nail heads. Out of this assemblage, 43 were so degraded or broken than no penny size
was determinable, and 18 were so degraded or broken that no head type was discernible.
These nails are most likely representative of twentieth century manufacture, and are
described with the information presented in Table 7.
Table 7. Wire Drawn Nails
Casing Nails
1
I
2
Common Nails
Flooring Nails
9d
1
3d
I
60d
3
4d
1
2
6d
15
8d
3
9d
2
lOd
5
12d
14
16d
3
18d
10
20d
2d
Roofing Nails
1
2d
4d
4
40d
61
Only four wood screws were recovered from the site. All of the screws are made
of iron, and are probably of early-twentieth century manufacture. Due to the small
sample of wood screws recovered from the site, and as their function and approximate
date range of manufacture are known, the screws will not be individually described.
Rather, their descriptions are limited to the information provided in Table 8.
Table 8. Wood Screws
Artifact Number
798
800
949
964
Wire Gauge
No. 8
No. 4
No. 20
No. 11
Head Type
Oval
Flat
Flat
FIat
Tip Type
Gimlet
Cone
Unknown
Gimlet
Length
1"
2"
2"
2"
Plumbing
Chromed Water Pipe Sections:
Four, exterior-chromed, water pipe sections were recovered from the site. These
cut pipe ends appear to be the excess remnants of inlet water pipes, cut away from
interior structure water fixtures. Artifact number 708 is straight, is the shortest of the
four, and is only 4.0 cm in length. This pipe has an interior diameter of 1.1 cm, and a wall
thickness of. 1 cm. Artifact number 826 is straight also, and is approximately 8.9 cm
long, with an interior diameter of 1.1 cm, and a wall thickness of. 1 cm again. Artifact
number 1284 is the longest of these pipes, and is over 42.5 cm long, but it is bent in many
places, and if actually stretched straight would be well over 50 cm. One end of the pipe
has been crushed flat, and the other end has what appears to be a pipe reducer placed on
it, making it impossible to determine an original interior diameter of the pipe (Oravetz,
1968: 101). The exterior diameter, however, is approximately 1.4 cm, and it is assumed
that this pipe is close in interior diameter to the others listed. The pipe reducer on the
pipe is a tapering cylinder, which has a maximum exterior diameter of 2.3 cm, and a
minimum of 1.9 cm. The reducer is .9 cm thick, and has an interior diameter of
approximately 1.0 cm. Finally, artifact number 1045 is approximately 12.5 cm long, with
an interior diameter of 1.2 cm, and a wall thickness of approximately .1 cm. As the
structure on the site was constructed in 1910, these pipe sections probably do not date
LTTTt1jt
A
C,
nj
Figure 20. A representative sample of a bolt and nails recovered from the site. A.
Carriage Bolt B. Hand Wrought Nail C. Machine Cut Square Nails D. Wire Drawn
Nails
192
any earlier than this, and they are probably representative of the addition (original, or
later), replacement, or repair of interior water fixtures in the structure.
Cylindrical Ceramic Drain Tile Fragments:
A total of 23 cylindrical, ceramic drain tile fragments were recovered from the site.
These fragments are composed of unglazed, salt-glazed, and lead-glazed redware ceramic;
and vary in diameter from three to six inches. They are in reality, better known as sewer
pipe, and the numbers of each variety recovered from the site are listed in Table 8.
The city of Corvallis did not approve of the building and maintenance of a city
sewer system until September 2, 1892, and it must be assumed that all sewer pipe and
their fittings found in Corvallis would have to be from ca. 1893 and later (Martin, 1938:
Chapter VII, 10). As the structure on the site was constructed in 1910, one can assume
that these drain tiles were from the initial installation of the sewer pipes for the structure,
at the time, or soon after the time of construction of the structure. More than likely then,
these tiles are representative of replacement, or repair activities on the sewer pipes for the
structure sometime after 1910, and the subsequent disposal of the originals (perhaps
where they lay) underneath the structure.
Faucet Handle:
A cast-iron faucet handle was recovered from the site. The handle is basically sixsided, with corners which are squared on two edges, and inward curved portions adjoining
each corner. There are also six spokes attaching the center of the handle with each of the
inward curving portions of the handle. The resulting cavities within the spokes and the
outside of the handle are also six-sided, and when looked at from above, the whole handle
has a honeycombed look to it. From one corner to the other, the handle measures
approximately 6.2 cm across, while from the center of each spoke to the outer portion of
193
Table 9. Varieties and Numbers of Redware Ceramic Drain Tile Recovered from Site
ORBE2
Type of
6" Diameter
Indeterminate
Redware
Diameter
Unglazed
1
1
Salt-Glazed
2
2
Li
4
10
2
Totals
3
5
1
14
the handle measures approximately 5.2 cm across. There are no markings of any kind on
the handle, and it appears to have been sheared off of its faucet somehow. Judging from
the style of the handle, it appears that it was manufactured in the early-twentieth
century.
Iron Pipe:
A single piece of uncoated, cut iron pipe was recovered from the site. The
cylindrically shaped pipe section has a length of approximately 10.0 cm, an interior
diameter of 1.2 cm, and a wall thickness of .4 cm. The pipe's wall thickness is probably
indicative of a main interior water inlet pipe, which was connected to several, narrower-
walled fixture pipes, like those described above. Once again, as the structure on the site
was constructed in 1910, this pipe section probably does not date any earlier than this,
and is probably representative of the addition (original, or later), replacement, or repair of
the interior water system of the structure.
194
Iron Pipe Collar Fittings:
Four complete, cylindrical iron pipe collar fittings were recovered from the site. It
is assumed that these pipe fittings are for sewer pipe, due to their inner diameter.
Artifact number 475 is made from cast iron, has an inner diameter of 4.9 cm, and is 8.4 cm
long. The thicker, collared end is .9 cm thick, while the remainder of the pipe fitting is .5
cm thick. Artifact number 504 is also made from cast iron, and is shaped much like a bell.
One end starts to enclose on itself, then has a hole cut into it. The wide end of this fitting
has an interior diameter of 7.6 cm, while the cut opening has a diameter of 4.2 cm.
Overall, the fitting has a length of 7.4 cm, while the thickness of the iron remains
relatively unchanged, being 1.0 cm thick on the open end, and .9 cm thick on the partially
enclosed end. Artifact number 533 is apparently made from a piece of rolled flat iron,
with its ends left unattached for some reason. The fitting has an internal diameter of 10.0
cm, is 5.0 cm in length, and has an overall wall thickness of.5 cm. Finally, artifact
number 933 appears to be made from cast iron, has an internal diameter of 9.9 cm, is 6.2
cm long, and has a thick band of iron around one end. This band is approximately .9 cm
thick, and is approximately 1.0 cm wide, while the remainder of the pipe fitting is only
about .6 cm thick. Three impressed rings encircle the body of this fitting, the first about
1.0 cm in from the cut end, and each subsequent ring is spaced approximately 1.0 cm from
one another. These impressed rings appear to be placed to aid in cutting the pipe fitting,
as the cut end appears to have been cut through such a ring.
Iron Pipe Collar Fitting Fragments:
Four, cast iron, pipe collar fitting fragments were also recovered from the site.
Artifact number 484 appears to be a similarly-styled, bell-shaped fitting such as artifact
number 504 described above. The fitting has basically been broken in half, leaving only
half of a cylinder which is approximately 8.5 cm long. The interior diameter to the open
end of the fitting appears to have been approximately 7.2 cm, while the partially enclosed
end has an approximate diameter of 4.3 cm. The open end has a wall thickness of 1.2 cm,
while the partially enclosed end has a wall thickness of 6 cm. Artifact number 506
appears to have been an elbow curved fitting, with one internally threaded end. This
fitting has been basically broken in two also, yet enough remains to determine that its
interior diameter was originally approximately 4.6 cm. The threaded end has a thickened
external rim, extending approximately 2.0 cm from the edge, and having a thickness of
approximately 1.1 cm. The opposing end has a thickness of only approximately .7cm.
Artifact number 505 represents a fairly large, elbow curved, pipe fitting, which was also
broken in half It has an estimated interior diameter of 13.0 cm within a bell-shaped
housing, which apparently constricted into a cylindrical pipe which is too disintegrated to
obtain an estimated diameter. This bell-shaped housing is approximately 6.5 cm tall, with
the curved pipe extension extending another 6.5 cm to where it broke. A single raised
mold line runs the length of the fitting, and it was apparently cast with a two-part mold.
The final fragment is artifact number 527, which appears to be a portion of the broken,
curved pipe extension to artifact number 505. It too has a single, raised, mold line running
along its length, and it has a wall thickness of approximately .7 cm. Its edges are
irregularly shaped, and interpretable dimensions are not available.
Pipe Grout
A single fragment of pipe grout used to secure the joints between cylindrical
ceramic drain tiles was recovered from the site. The grout is still dried in the form of
having been compressed between two ceramic drain tiles, however, no evidence as to the
finish of the drain tile is present, and the fragment is too small to determine a drain tile
interior diameter.
Toilet Fragpents:
Two white porcelain toilet fragments were recovered from the site. Only one of
the fragments has remnants of two glazed faces present, and this fragment, artifact
number 753, has a thickness of approximately 2.4 cm. The presence of two faces in the
fragment, as well as its thickness and curvature, probably indicates that this was a portion
of the bowl of the toilet. This fragment is broken in many odd angles, and no other
diagnostic measurements are obtainable from it. The other fragment, artifact number 379,
represents only one glazed face of the toilet, and a partial depression on this face seems to
indicate a 90 degree angle between two horizontal, straight faces. This could be
representative of the base of the toilet, being the underside which was mounted to the
floor. No markings are present on either fragment. Due to the 1910 construction date of
the structure on the site, these fragments are probably no older than this date, and are
probably indicative of the removal of a toilet fixture for repair, or due to wear.
Fixed Illumination
Incandescent Light Bulb:
An intact light bulb was recovered from the site, and was retained by the
contractors. The light bulb was assigned the catalog number A-I, and is only represented
in the collection by photographs. The bulb measures approximately 7" long, and is
approximately 3" wide at its widest. The glass bulb is clear, has a tip on the end, and has
the words, "EDISON / MAZDA" imprinted near the juncture of the bulb and the brass
base. The interior filaments are all present, and mostly intact, and the internal vacuum
seems to be intact as well. The internal glass stem is almost as long as the glass bulb
itself, and is tipped with six prongs which extend, spoke-like, from the center, each of
which has a filament attached to it that is run down to six other prongs extending from the
base of the stem. The General Electric Company started producing Edison Mazda bulbs
in 1913; the Mazda moniker coming from the ancient Persian god of light, which was used
to denote the brightness at which the bulbs burned because of their use of tungsten
filaments (Cox, 1979: 63). This bulb had to have been manufactured before Ca. 1919,
197
however, as in that year General Electric developed and marketed a stronger, even more
efficient, tipless light bulb (ibid.: 64).
Incandescent Light Bulb Base Fragments:
A total of four, incandescent, electric light bulb base fragments were recovered
from the site. The first, artifact number 1017, is the remnant of the threaded brass sidewall of a light bulb base, having been some how torn away from the rest of the base, and
crumpled. There is little diagnostic about this particular base, other than stating that it
originated from a light bulb.
The remaining three bases are all Edison style threaded bases, made of brass with
black glass insulators on their tips (see Figure 21). Artifact number 1189 is a complete
base, being partitioned into the actual threaded socket portion, and a larger circumferenced
portion which was joined to the bulb. The overall height of the brass portion of the base
is approximately 5.4 cm, with the lower threaded portion having a standard circumference
of 2.6 cm, and the larger portion having a circumference of 3.8 cm. The glass stem and
leading wires are still intact within, and the stem is hand labeled in black ink with the
number, "0816." For a date range of manufacture, the base post-dates 1901, due to the
presence of a glass, rather than a porcelain insulator tip ring; and a terminus post quem of
Ca. 1950 can be assigned, as bases were constructed of aluminum, rather than brass after
this date (Bright, 1949: 204).
Artifact number 1294 is a complete light bulb base, being a brass threaded
portion, and having a black glass insulator on its tip, as well as its glass stem still within,
with its two leading-in wires still protruding out. The base measures approximately 2.4
cm in height, with a standard circumference of 2.6 cm. There is still the partial remnants
of a clear glass bulb adhered to the interior of the base as well. As far as dating this base,
it is clear that it post-dates 1901, due to the presence of a glass insulator tip ring, rather
than the earlier porcelain (Cox, 1979: 142). A terminus post quem of ca. 1925 can be
198
estimated, as the remains of the glass bulb are clear, and after this date most bulbs were
interior frosted using an acid treatment (ibid., 1979: 64).
Finally, artifact number 1315 is an almost identical base to number 1189. It too
has a bi-partitioned base consisting of a threaded portion and a larger circumference
portion which would have been joined to the bulb. The dimensions are virtually identical
to number 1189, and the differences consist of markings. The larger circumference
portion of the base is embossed with the following: "PAT," and, "NOV 8 1904," over,
"NOV 22 1904." It is interesting to note that on the opposite side of these embossings,
there exists a small remnant of a mineralized textile, which is probably cotton, in a plain
weave. The textile was apparently laying next to the bulb in its archaeological context,
and mineralized to it leaving a three-dimensional cast of itself adhered to the base. The
glass stem of the bulb is still intact, as well as the lead wires, and the interior of the glass
stem is filled with an oval piece of paper with writing on it. On one side of the paper is
the drawing of an incandescent light bulb with the following printed in it: "THE /
MANUFACTURER OF / THTS LAMP IS LICENSED / UNDER PATENTS NOTED /
ON OTHER SIDE." The other side is marked with the same illustration of a light bulb,
with the following printed within: "JAN 22, 1895," over, "JAN 18, 1897 APRIL 16,
1893," over, "NOV" (the rest of the date is illegible), and "APRIL 24, 1906." Along the
edge of the bulb the lettering, "N.P. 6442," appears. Also adhered to the base is the
partial remains of the clear glass bulb. A date range of manufacture for this bulb extends
from some time after April 24, 1906 (the last patent date mentioned on the bulb), and ca.
1925, when most bulbs went to having frosted interiors rather than a clear bulb.
Incandescent Light Bulb, Glass Bulb Onl
A single, clear glass bulb to an incandescent light bulb was recovered from the site
(see Figure 21). The bulb is missing its threaded base and glass stem, yet the diameter of
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Figure 21. Incandescent light bulb fragments recovered from the site.
200
the bulb at the base end seems to indicate that it would have fit to a standard sized Edison
threaded base. Yet, the bulb is extremely large when compared to those on a
contemporary incandescent bulb with a threaded Edison base. The bulb measures
approximately 14.8 cm in overall length, with a maximum diameter of 9.8 cm. There is no
tip on the end of the bulb. Because of this tip-less design trait, and due to the fact that
the bulb is clear rather than frosted, the bulb's date range of manufacture can be estimated
to have been between Ca. 1921 -1925; as tip-less bulbs were not introduced until 1921,
and frosted bulbs did not come into existence until 1925 (Cox, 1979: 217).
Fixed Power
Aluminum Insulated Electrical Wire:
A single strand of aluminum insulated wire was recovered from the site. The wire
is .145" in diameter, and is only 6.6 cm long. The wire insulation is a natural aluminum
color, and the internal wire cannot be observed on either end. Judging from the size of the
hole in the middle of the insulation, however, the wire was a No. 14 size, or smaller
(Richter, 1949: 24). A reference to aluminum insulated wiring could not be located, but it
is assumed that this is of mid-to-late twentieth century manufacture.
Cloth Covered Electrical Wire
Eight strands of cloth covered electrical wire were recovered from the site. Out of
these, two strands are weatherproofed, and made for outdoor applications, six are made
for indoor applications, and one is of indeterminate manufacture style.
The first strand of weatherproofed wire consists of two cloth covered wires
intertwined together, wrapped with a weatherproofed cloth covering which has a metallic
luster to it. According to Richter, "The insulation consists of three braids of cotton,
thoroughly saturated with weatherproofing and light-resisting compounds." (1949: 26).
201
The two strands of wire appear to be No. 14 size, indicating that this wiring was used for
a low amperage application, probably over a short distance (Richter, 1949:
24-25).
The other piece of weatherproofed wire is much degraded, with only a small
portion still having any weatherproofing present. The wiring is composed of seven
individual strands of copper which have been braided together, then insulated with rubber,
and finally a weatherproofed covering. The thickness of these strands indicates that this
is probably a No. 4 size wire, probably indicative of larger amperage, or perhaps further
distances to cross (ibid.: 24).
Out of the five strands of indoor, cloth wrapped wiring, three consist of two
strands of wire intertwined together, while the remainder are represented by only single
strands. Al! of the double wires appear to be No. 14 size wire, while the two single
strands are No. 12 sized wire.
The final, indeterminate piece of wire is composed of seven individual strands of
copper coiled together, with a width indicating a No. 8 wire size. A very small portion of
what appears to be rubber and cloth still adheres to this wire.
All of this wiring is apparently made from copper wire, insulated with natural
rubber, then coated with cloth. Due to the use of cloth covering the wire, all of this wiring
can probably be dated to Ca. 1900-1950, after which, the development of synthetic rubber
and polyvinyl chloride wire coatings began to dominate (Black, 1983: 150). Likewise, all
of this cloth covered wire is probably representative of the original wiring installed in the
structure on the site, and probably at the time of its construction in 1910, or during the
construction of its additions in Ca. 1920-1921.
202
Cloth Fragments From Electrical Wiring:
Two fragments of cloth to cloth-covered electrical wiring were recovered from the
site. Two samples from each fragment were burned, and their burning traits were
observed using results from Joseph L. Marjory's, Introductory TextileSciencc(1981: 2425). The results indicate that the fiber used in the textile was a natural cellulosic fiber,
such as cotton or flax, which probably indicates cotton. The textile is a dark brown color,
which could be an organic stain from being in the ground. The weave structure appears to
be braided, as the strands are interlaced diagonally from each other(Wilson, 1982: 71).
These pieces of cloth can probably be dated to Ca. 1900-1950, when electrical wiring was
almost wholly insulated with natural rubber, and covered in cloth.
Electrical Wiring Conduit:
Two pieces of steel, electrical wiring conduit were recovered from the site. Only
one of these pieces of conduit, or "armor" is intact, the other having been unrolled into a
bent, spiraling piece of steel. The whole piece of conduit has an overall length of 7.9 cm,
and a diameter of 1.2 cm. These fragments are probably representative of indoor wiring,
in areas that required extra protection for the wiring, and more than likely are
representative of the early cloth-covered electrical wiring, Ca. 1900-1950 (Richter, 1949:
24-29).
Pin Type Glass Electrical Insulator
An intact, blue glass, pin type electrical insulator was recovered from the site.
The insulator is approximately 8.3 cm tall, has an outer base diameter of 5.0 cm, a
rounded tip diameter of 4.9 cm, and an internal base diameter of 3.8 cm. The only
markings on the insulator consist of two vertical mold lines, and two raised stars, on
opposing sides of the body. The insulator is also internally threaded for a pin, and has an
impressed groove for one electrical wire. According to Cranfill and Kareofelas, this type
of insulator is a Pony style, but it is on an unknown manufacturer and date (1970: 5).
203
All that can be said of this insulator is that it is probably of late-nineteenth-to-earlytwentieth century manufacture, and is probably representative of the earliest electrical
applications used on the structure on the site (see Figure 22).
PVC Insulated Electrical Wiring:
A single piece of PVC insulated electrical wiring was recovered from the site. The
strand is a single wire, with a light green coating, and appears to be a No. 14 size. This
probably indicates an indoor electrical wire, requiring low amperage. The use of a PVC
coating probably indicates that this wire was manufactured after the Second World War,
when PVC and synthetic rubbers generally replaced the rubber and cloth insulated wires.
Porcelain Cleat Insulators:
Two porcelain cleat insulators of different styles were recovered from the site.
The first is made of glazed white porcelain, is rectangular in shape, and has a single
perforation through it. The insulator measures approximately 3.1 cm x 1.9 cm x 1.6 cm.
Two depressed sections which have raised, grill-like forms running across them are
present, being on either side of the center perforation. These depressions are set in about
.2 cm from the edges of the insulator, and are about .8 cm wide. These depressions are
apparently where the rubber-covered electrical wires would have been placed, and cleated
in with an opposite facing insulator, which would make this a two-wire cleat insulator.
An exact illustration of this type of insulator could not be found, so its manufacturer, and
exact date range of manufacture are not known, but it is probably of early-twentieth
century manufacture (see Letter D, Figure 22).
The other porcelain cleat insulator is made of unglazed white porcelain, and it is
basically a rectangular form with rounded ends. This insulator measures approximately
8.2 cm x 1.9 cm x 1.7 cm. Two perforations exist through the insulator, basically placed
on either end of the insulator. The perforations have raised rings around their edges on
one side, and between these two perforations is a depressed rectangular section, which
204
has the raised word, "BRUNT", within it. The opposite face has two impressed,
threaded, longitudinal cuts, just to the outside of the two perforations. These impressed
cuts are where the electrical wires would have been placed and clamped into the insulator.
According to a reprinted catalog of the G. F. Brunt Porcelain Company, of East
Liverpool, Ohio, (which is of unknown date, but certainly early-twentieth century), this
insulator is a "Standard No. 334, Two Wire Cleat, Unglazed" (Kareofelas, Cranful, &
Fountain, 1969: 34). The Brunt Porcelain Company started making porcelain insulators
in 1891, at which time, the insulators were marked with "BRUNT" (Tod, 1977: 73).
This ended for a two year span, from 1895-1897, when the company changed hands, and
was known as the Brunt & Thompson Company, at which time their insulators were
marked, "B & T" (ibid.: 74). George F. Brunt bought out Thompson's interest in 1897,
and continued the company under the label "G. F. Brunt Porcelain Company," again. The
insulators were marked "BRUNT," once again, and continued to be so marked even when
the company changed hands again to the General Porcelain Co., in 1911, and was leased
by General Electric in the 1920s. Insulator production apparently ended around Ca. 1930,
when the company switched back to door knob production, and was called, the Riverside
Knob Co. (ibid.).
Porcelain Knob Type Insulator:
A single, glazed, white porcelain, knob type insulator was recovered from the site.
The insulator consists of three cylindrical rings, divided by two depressions, all of which
has a single perforation running through it. The insulator is approximately 3.7 cm tall,
and has a diameter of 4.1 cm. Each of the impressed rings has a diameter of
approximately 3.3 cm. Judging from illustrations in Kareofelas, Cranfill & Fountain, this
insulator is a double groove knob insulator, commonly used on insulator racks (1969:
E!
I etti
(; AL F;
Figure 22. Various electrical insulators recovered from the site. A. Pony Style, Pin
Type, Glass Insulator B. Brunt Cleat Type Insulator C. Knob Type Insulator D.
Cleat Style Insulator E. Tube Style Insulator
20o
114). This design, "Has 2 grooves, one for lyirz in the main circuit and the other for the
service wires." (ibid.). There are no markings present on the insulator, so a manuficturcr
cannot be determined (see Figure 22).
Porcelain Knob Type Insulator Fragments:
Four fragments of what appear to be the remains of glazed, white porcelain, knob
type insulators were recovered from the site. All appear to represent cylindrical knob
type insulators, but none are complete enough to reconstruct a diameter, or height. Only
one of the fragments, artifact number 150. has any markings, having the raised lettering
on an unglazed portion of the fragment. This could be the markings of the
General Electric Company, which produced porcelain insulators from a plant in
Schenectady, New York, from Ca. 1896-1952 (Mills, 1970: 51-55). However, I could
find no information as to specific types of insuiators which the General Electric
Company made, so a more narrow date range cannot be applied. The most that can be
said of all of these fragments then, is that they are probably of early-twentieth century
manufacture, they are probably representative of the first electrical applications to the
structure on the site, and they were probably replaced as they broke, or as their wiring
needed replacement.
Porcelain Split Type Insulator Fragments:
Four fragments of what appear to he the remains of square, reversible, split type,
white porcelain electrical insulators were recovered from the site. Three of these
fragments are unglazed, the remaining one being glazed. None of the fragments are
complete enough to determine useful dimensions, and their original forms and sizes can
only be guessed at. The glazed fragment, artifact number 160, has the raised number
"39237", on an inner, unglazed portion. This could be a serial number, or type number of'
the insulator, but without information about the manufacturer, these numbers are all but
useless in aiding the identification process. The most that can be said of all of these
fragments is that they are probably of early-twentieth century manufacture, they are
probably representative of the first electrical applications to the structure on the site, and
they were probably replaced as they broke, or as their wiring needed replacement.
Porcelain Tube Insulator:
An intact, unglazed, white porcelain tube insulator was recovered from the site.
The tube is 8.8 cm long, has an inner diameter of.8 cm, and has an enlarged, knobbed end
that has a maximum diameter of 2.0 cm, and is 1.2 cm long (see Figure 22). The tube is
stamped, "THOMAS", twice, in a straight line running the length of the tube. This is
almost certainly the mark of the R. Thomas & Sons Co., of East Liverpool, Ohio, which
was a ceramics business, that made ceramic whitewares and porcelain insulators (Mills,
1970: 41). The company was started in 1873, and did not go out of business until 1957
(ibid.: 4 1-50). It did not start making ceramic insulators until ca. 1893, but some sources
say they may have been producing them as early as the I 880s (ibid.: 42). These tubes
were used to insulate electrical wires when they passed through timber, and were
commonly used in the knob-and-tube electrical systems of the early-twentieth century
(Richter, 1949: 80-81).
Television Cable Stand-Offs:
Two iron television cable stand-offs were recovered from the site. The stand-offs
consist of a piece of iron wire, which has had one end formed into a loop within which is
an apparent carbon plug. These plugs have a small laceration cutting through them,
through which the television cable was passed. The stand-offs are approximately 12.4 cm
long, have a loop that has a diameter of 2.7 cm, and are made of wire that is .5 cm in
diameter. One of the stand-offs, artifact number 498, still has a layer of wrapped
weatherproofing on a portion of its shaft. According to a former employee of a telephone
company, these stand-offs were used to keep the television cable away from the building,
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when they were strung up the side of the building, and probably date to Ca. 1950-1970
(Waidron Littlefield, Persona! Communication).
Television Roof Antenna Arm:
An aluminum arm from a television roof antenna was recovered from the site. The
antenna is made from rolled aluminum that has a diameter of 1.0 cm, and is over 69 cm
long. One end is crimped flat, and the other end is missing, and appears to have been
snapped off. This style of antenna is definitely of mid-to-late-twentieth century
manufacture, and probably dates to Ca. 1950-1970.
300 OHM Twin Pad Wire Strand
A strand of 300 OHM twin pad wire was recovered from the site. The wire
appears to be made from plastic, is approximately 1.0 cm wide, and is of an
indeterminable length due to bends in the wire. The plastic insulation is marked with
impressed lettering with, "300 OHM'. This type of wiring was apparently used for
television reception cable, and is apparently of mid-to-late twentieth century
manufacture.
Fixed Heating and Cooling
Heating Stove Maker's Plate:
A cast iron maker's plate, apparently for a heating stove, was recovered from the
site. The center of the plate is depressed and is marked in raised lettering, "E.A.
SCHWIENING / PLUMBING & HEATING / CORVALLIS ORE." The plate's shape
is hard to describe, yet most resembles a curved hot dog with straight sides. A pair of
swivel bosses exist on the upward facing ends of the plate, and two .143" diameter
perforations are present underneath these bosses. The plate is bent in the middle,
resulting in a slight rise to one side, which probably also shortened the length of the plate,
209
as it is now just short of 4 1/2". From the tip of the swivel bases, to the other side of the
plate measures some 2.135", and the plate is approximately .127" thick.
E.A. Schwiening apparently worked in a number of different professions in the
Corvallis area during the early-twentieth centuzy. The earliest listing for him is as a
plumber in the 1913 Polk's Benton County Directory, and he is also listed as a plumber
in the 1913-1914 Washington State Gazetteer and Business Directory. By Ca. 19201922, his business is listed as the Schwiening Vulcanizing Shop, so he apparently
switched into the rubber business by this date (The Pacific Telephone Company,
Ca.
1920-1922: 13). Strangely, Mr. Schwiening is not listed in the 1924 Corvallis Phone
Directory. By 1934, he has switched professions again, as he owns the Schweining Sheet
Metal Works, which was located at 320 South 2nd St. (Maxson Business Service, 1934:
52). Notice that the spelling of the last name has changed, the "i" and the "e" having
been transposed in order. This listing continues until 1938, but by 1947 there is no
mention of an E. A. Schweining, and according to the director of the Benton County
Historical Society, the county has no record of his death (Judy Juntenun, Personal
Communication). It can be assumed then, that the E.A. Schwiening Plumbing & Heating
shop was probably in existence sometime between the Ca. 19 13-1920 dates, when he still
spelled his name as Schwiening, and was apparently still doing plumbing.
Stove Damper Handle:
A stove damper handle was recovered from the site. The handle is made of two
pieces of iron, one being a diamond profiled shaft, the other being a piece of wound wire.
The handle measures approximately 10.4 cm in overall length, the shaft being about 9.0
cm of this, the wire extension making up the remainder. The wire extension is wound like
a cork-screw around the end of the shaft, making two full revolutions. Then it is curved
up, and back around creating another loop suspended away from the shaft. This loop
forms a handle, which would have been a little more isolated from potential convection
210
heat from the stove, as it is made of a separate piece of iron attached to the shaft. There
are no markings on the handle at all. The handle appears to be machine-made, due to the
symmetry of the shaft's sides. Due to this, the handle's date range of manufacture can
probably be put in the late-nineteenth century, through the early-twentieth century.
Personal and Domestic Transportation
This heading is represented by three sub-categories in Sprague's typoiogy, and
only two of these were used to describe this collection. This heading is represented by
the following sub-categories, with their corresponding numbers of artifacts: Vehicles (10),
and Vehicle Maintenance (2).
Vehicles
Automobile Head-Lamp Lens Fragment:
A single fragment of what appears to be a clear glass automobile head-lamp lens
was recovered from the site. The fragment is slightly curved, and on its concave surface,
displays a grid-work of raised rectangles. These rectangles are approximately .6 cm wide,
yet not enough of any one is present to obtain a length. The fragment is broken in a rough
triangle shape, which allowed for the survival of two rows of these rectangles, with the
longest row having seven rectangles present. Four of these rectangles are flat to the
surface of the lens other than their raised outline, but the remaining three have their width
edges raised further than the others, making a slight wave pattern. These edges were
apparently raised further than the rest in order to change the refraction of light passing
through this area, probably to help focus the differing levels of light between a high beam
and a low beam. If this is so, then this lens post-dates 1924, when General Electric
introduced such head-lamps for automobiles (Cox, 1979: 81).
211
Automobile Tail-Light-Bulb Base Cover:
The remnants of what appears to be the base cover to a small automobile taillight-bulb base cover was recovered from the site. The cover is made of a yellow metal,
arid is cylindrical and flat on both sides, with an inner circular opening. The cover has
been distorted by being flattened, so an accurate measurement of its original diameter is
not possible, however its largest diameter measurement is now approximately 1.9 cm, and
its largest height measurement is approximately .6 cm. Although no base cap is present,
it is assumed that the center hole is where it would have originally fit. As there are no
other remains of the bulb present, no estimate as to the bulb's type, color, or years of
manufacture are possible.
Bicycle Bell:
The apparent renmants of a chromed iron bicycle bell was recovered from the site.
The bell is composed of two separate cylindrical concave portions, each of which has a
central stem on its concave surface. The stem on artifact number 1011 appears to be
broken, while the stem on artifact number 1012 is hollow and threaded. The bell would
have been connected via this threaded stem, which has apparently been broken, and may
be the reason why this bell was discarded. The complete bell is not present, as the bell
actuating lever, and handlebar mount are missing. The dimensions of artifact number 1011
are: 2.227" in diameter, and .867" in height; while artifact number 1012 measures some
2.298" in diameter, and .876" in height. As for a date range of manufacture, bicycle bells
seem to have become a fashion in the 1890's, and Montgomery & Ward's was selling five
different types in 1895 (1969: 557). Although they are still sold today, they appear to
have gone out of fashion in the 1960s, which puts a probable date of manufacture range of
ca. 1890-1960.
212
Bicycle Handlebar Stem:
An iron bicycle handlebar stem was recovered from the site. The stem is basically
"L" shaped, is hollow, and has a bolt and nut closure for the handlebar fitting. The stem's
head-tube fitting is approximately .895" in diameter, while the handlebar fitting section is
approximately .955" in diameter. The stem's length from handlebar-end to "L" joint is
4.245", while the length from the headset end to the "L"joint is 2.99 1". The stem is of a
threaded headset type, which is still manufactured today, .and its "L" form seems to have
been available as early as 1908, as is evidenced by its presence in the Sears, Roebuck &
Co. catalog of that date(1971: 171).
Bicycle Adjustable Headset Locking Cone
An adjustable locking cone of a bicycle headset was recovered from the site. The
locking cone is made of iron, and was apparently chromed at one time. The cone is
cylindrical, is internally threaded, and has a roughened outside edge for greater gripping
power when tightening it to the headset lock-nut. The outside diameter of the cone is
1.647", while the inside diameter is .942". Dating this bicycle component is rather
difficult, as this type of headset has been used since the first "safety" bicycles of ca.
1885, and is still present in a refined form, today (Ritchie, 1975: 129). More than likely,
however, this particular cone was manufactured between Ca. 1900-1950.
Bicycle Leather Saddle Cover:
A bicycle leather saddle cover was recovered from the site. The saddle cover is
desiccated, and is bent over backwards, with its interior (which is rough-sided) facing
outwards. The original exterior face is smooth and darkened, and was probably tanned
black originally. The center line of the saddle was raised in an ovoid shape, apparently for
rider-ergonomics, and this raised section is impressed with a cursive label, "Star". The
cover was apparently originally tacked to its saddle, as there are two round stocked iron
tacks still protruding through the rear of the saddle, and there are small perforations on
213
the nose of the saddle which would have been conducive for such tacks as well. Dating
this saddle cover is fairly difficult, as the saddle shape is hard to reconstruct with just the
cover, and the cover is so desiccated that it does not readily lend itself to manipulation.
The "Star" trademark is of little help either, as no specific reference to this trademark can
be found. Still, it would appear that this is definitely not of recent manufacture, and by
the raised center section, the cover can probably be dated to the early-twentieth century.
Carriage Bolt
A hand wrought carriage bolt was recovered from the site. The bolt is made from
round stock, which is approximately .202" in diameter. The bolt is 3.90" long, has a
squared, flattened head, and has narrow-cut threading which extends only .475" up the
shaft. Judging from the diameter of the shaft, the bolt was designed for a 1/5" nut. Such
bolts were typically used to close two pieces of wood together without the need of
tacking them together with nails, lessening their chance of splitting. If Sears & Roebuck
and the Montgomery Wards catalogs of the 1 890s can be believed, then most carriage
bolts at the turn of the century period were machine made. As this bolt is hand-wrought,
its period of manufacture can probably be dated to the early-to-mid-nineteenth century.
Due to this early date of manufacture, it can be assumed that this bolt was a part of a
larger, unknown artifact, manufactured in the early-to-mid-nineteenth century, which was
curated, and deposited at the site during the early-twentieth century with most of the rest
of the artifacts. This larger artifact then degraded, leaving only the bolt as a sign of its
presence.
Valve to an Internal Combustion Engine:
An iron valve to an internal combustion engine was recovered from the site. The
valve is approximately 6 1/2" long, has a rod diameter of .372", and a valve diameter of
1.628". From all appearances, the valve is slightly bent near the connection of the valve
portion and its rod. This may account for its presence in the site, and the lack of any
214
other engine parts. According to a local car mechanic,judging from its size, the rod
appears to be from an early flat head engine, perhaps from a tractor, a truck, or some
kind of an industrial engine (Clayton Rasmussen, Personal Communication).
Schraeder Air Valve Cap:
A black plastic, Schraeder style air valve cap, to a pneumatic rubber tire was
recovered from the site. The cap is cylindrical, internally threaded, and has vertical ribbed
flanges to aid in gripping power for removal. The valve cap is approximately 1.3 cm tall,
and has a base diameter of 1.0 cm. Since it is made from plastic, the cap probably dates
to the late-twentieth century.
Vehicle Maintenance
Oil Container Seal:
A white plastic seal to a late-twentieth century plastic oil container was recovered
from the site. The seal measures i.00" in diameter. The circular seal is marked with five
orange stars with a "T" in the center of each. Underneath each of these stars is also the
company name, "TEXACO." This is obviously from a motor oil container produced by
the Texaco Oil Co.
Spanner Wrench:
A rather large and crude form of a spanner wrench was recovered from the site.
The wrench is simply a piece of round iron stock, which has been bent in a "U" form,
then had its tips bent at a 90 degree angle in such a way so that when looked upon in
profile, they cannot be seen. The points of these bent ends are sharpened as well. The
wrench is approximately 15.6 cm long, has a span of approximately 4.7 cm, and is
composed of wire stock which is approximately .165" in diameter. The spanner fixture
which this wrench was designed for can only be guessed at, and a date of manufacture can
only be guessed as being early-twentieth century.
215
Commerce and Industry
This heading is represented by eleven sub-categories in Sprague's typology, out of
which, only three were used to describe this sample. The artifacts described under this
heading are represented under the following categories: Fishing (1); Mass Media,
Informational Services (27); and Transportation Construction (4).
Fishing
A relatively large, iron, barbed fishing hook was recovered from the site. The
hook measures some 11.9 cm in overall length, and is apparently a size 3/0. The hook
appears to be a ringed style, with a shank that is a regular round cross section style, and a
speared barb (Evanoff, 1961: 1 84-1 86). The eye is a ball style. All in all, this is a vely
standard hook, other than its size, which indicates that it would have been used for
relatively large fish, such as halibut, or sturgeon.
Mass Media, Informational Services
Newspapers:
A total of five relatively intact newspapers were recovered from the site. All five
of these newspapers are from the Oregon Journal, of Portland, Oregon, and all are from
1938. The following dates are represented among the newspapers: Wednesday, February
2; Sunday, February 13; Tuesday, February 15; and Wednesday, March 30. Three of
these newspapers were handed to this researcher by the foundation contractors at the
site, vho said that they had found them wrapped around the water-pipes under the house
as a form of insulation. The remaining two were recovered from Pile B, but were likely
wrapped around pipes as well. As all of the newspapers date from 1938, it probably
indicates that the pipes underneath the structure were either added at that time, or
perhaps replaced, orjust had insulation applied or replaced in that year.
216
Newspaper Fragments:
At least 22 newspaper fragments were recovered from the site. Unfortunately,
their degradation, and clumped condition during recovery results in an ever-increasing
amount of newspaper fragments. Very few of these newspaper fragments have headings
or dates on them, but judging from the formats, the stories, the advertisements, and the
comic strips in them, it can be supposed that most are from Ca. 1938, like the whole
newspapers described above. This probably indicates that the fragments were parts of
whole newspapers which were also applied to the water pipes underneath the house as
insulation.
Transportation Construction
Machine Made Railroad Spikes:
A total of three machine-made railroad spikes were recovered from the site. Two
of these spikes are approximately 5" long by 1/2" wide (length measured from under the
head). Both of these are of identical style, having a chisel shaped point oriented in an
opposing direction of the head, which is flat, with one side extending approximately 1/2"
away from the shank, and the opposite side being non-existent. The third spike measures
approximately 5 1/2" long by 1/2" wide (length again measured from underneath the head)
and shares nearly the same form as the other two, only having a wider, more oval-like
head. All of these spikes were probably manufactured during the early-twentieth
century.
Hand-Wrought Railroad Spikes:
A single hand-wrought iron railroad spike was recovered from the site. The spike
is approximately 5.940" long, and is made of iron stock .365" thick, which was cut 1.105"
wide at the head, and tapers to .685" wide at the tip. The tip is flattened and widened,
apparently from being driven into a material which was harder than it was. Due to this
217
flattening, it can be assumed that this spike was manufactured to be approximately 6"
long. The head of the spike is shaped like a rounded rectangle, which is 1.325" long, by
.860" wide. Since this spike was hand-wrought, its date range of manufacture probably
dates to the nineteenth century, and since the first railroad was not laid in Corvallis until
1881, one can date this spike to ca. 1881-1900 (Martin, 1938: Chapter VI, 6).
Group Services
There are six categories under this heading used in Sprague's typology. Only two
of these categories were used to describe the artifacts under this heading, and they are:
Education (1), and Utilities, Communication Systems (4)
Education
A translucent, clear, plastic, conical centrifuge tube was recovered from the site.
The tube it externally threaded for a cap on its open end, and is pointed towards its tip.
The tube is internally graduated to 50 ml, and is approximately 11.4 cm long, with an
outer diameter of 2.8 cm. A nearly identical centrifuge tube can still be purchased from
the 1996 Cole-Parmer Instrument Company Catalog, and due to this fact, and also due to
the tube being made of clear plastic, this tube was probably manufactured in the late-
twentieth century (Cole-Parmer, 1996: 885).
Utilities, Communications System
Rotary Phone Dialing Mechanism:
The internal dialing mechanism of a rotary style phone was recovered from the
site. The mechanism consists of a steel ring with ten raised dots of varying size around
its center, and a rubber gasket which covers the ring, yet allows the dots to come through.
A small hook is also present, which is a part of the steel ring, and curves over the black
rubber faced side, covering one of the dots. This probably represents the stopping
mechanism, which the rotary dial returned to after each number was dialed, which would
218
indicate that the dot underneath it represents the number "0". The ring has an outer
diameter of 4.5 cm, and an inner diameter of 2.1 cm. There are no markings present on the
ring, and it is assumed that it represents a rotary telephone, of early-to-late-twentieth
century manufacture.
Taplock Utility Lock
A green plastic taplock, or utility box lock was recovered from the site. The lock
consists of a piece of flat green plastic, and a narrow gauge (less than .1 cm in diameter)
piece of steel wire. The plastic is squared on one end, and rounded on the other, and is
approximately 3.8 cm long, by 2.1 cm wide. The plastic is impressed on one side with
"TAPLOCK I BUDCO-TULSA", and in an opposing direction with, "PATENT I
3485521". On the opposing side is a supposed impressed serial number of
"TN048893." According to a fellow student, these taplocks are placed on utility meter
boxes to insure that the user of the utility does not tamper with the meter. The use of
such a thin wire on the lock is intentional, as it would be to the detriment of the utility
user to tamper with or remove the taplock (Steve Kramer, Personal Communication).
These taplocks are definitely of late-twentieth century manufacture, and are still
apparently used today.
Telephone Box Cover
A pressed aluminum telephone box was recovered from the site. The box has
rounded edges, and is impressed with the words, "6ELL / SYSTEM," underneath of
which are two impressed lines, and finally, "305A2". The box is approximately 9.2 cm x
7.8 cm x 5.1 cm. According to a veteran worker of a telephone company, these boxes are
used to protect the exterior telephone lead into the house, and have been used since
1975, and are still used today (Waidron Littlefield, Personal Communication).
Ca.
219
Telephone Box Lightning Surge Protector:
A telephonìe box lightning surge protector was recovered from the site. The
protector, or "carbon", was identified by Waidron Littlefield (Personal Communication).
It is made of a cylindrical piece of copper, that has a straight screw-driver blade head, a
stop ring, threading, and finally an end with eight prongs, and a carbon center. The surge
protector is approximately 2.8 cm long, has a screw-end diameter of 1.3 cm, a stop-ring
diameter of 1.4 cm, and a threaded end diameter of 1.1 cm. The carbon on the end has a
diameter of approximately .4 cm, and each of the prongs is approximately .3 cm tall.
According to Mr. Littlefield, these surge protectors were screwed into specially threaded
holes on telephone pole boxes, and they were commonly used from the mid-twentieth
century and probably continuing to the present.
220
Figure 23. A representative sample of some of the more interesting "Unknown" category
artifacts.
221
Conclusions and Syntheses
Conclusions on the Structure
There are relatively few conclusions to deduce about the structure on the site. As
stated earlier, the structure appears to have been constructed in 1910, and was significantly
changed in ca. 1920-1921. The artifacts which were typologically labeled as architectural
in function cannot be used to verify these dates, but do yield some interesting chronological
data about the construction material itself.
Both machine cut square nails and wire drawn nails were recovered from the site, in
quite disproportionate numbers. A total of 123 iron nails were recovered from the site; of
which, ten were machine cut square nails, while 113 were wire drawn nails. The machine
cut nails were recovered from only two of the back-dirt piles, Pile A (4), and Pile F (6),
while wire drawn nails were recovered from every back-dirt pile on the site. The numbers
and distribution of the different types of nails seems to support the documentary findings
on the dates of construction and addition to the structure. If the original structure was
constructed in 1910 as the county records indicate, then it is quite possible that machine cut
nails were used in its manufacture. However, it is probably more likely that a mixture of
both wire drawn and machine cut nails were used in the initial construction of the structure.
The turn-of-the-century seems to have been a transitionary period between the use of
machine cut and wire drawn nails, as wire drawn nails were apparently less expensive, yet
machine cut nails were seen as having more holding power than the wire drawn nails
(Graham, 1923: 24).
It is possible then, that the carpenters who constructed the original structure used
machine cut nails in situations where they believed more holding power was required,
while using the less expensive wire drawn nails in most other applications. It is also
possible that the differentiation in nail types could show an age difference and preference
222
Table 7. Distribution of Wire Nails From Site ORBE2
Back Dirt Pile
PileA
PileB
PileC
PileD
PileE
PileF
Totals
(N) Sample
20
I
5
6
80
113
(%) Sample
17.7%
.88%
.88%
4.42%
5.31%
70.8%
100%
amongst the carpenters who built the structure. For, older carpenters may have been more
prone to using the machine cut nails, while younger carpenters of the period may have
shown less resistance to using the less expensive, yet poorer holding quality wire nails.
It is also interesting to note that the machine cut nails were only discovered in Piles
A and F. The lack of machine cut nails in Piles B, C, and D on the Northeast side of the
structure supports the findings that the Northeast portion of the structure was constructed
between 19 19-1920. It is assumed that wire drawn nails were probably used almost
exclusively in construction activities by this time.
The only other bulk artifact type in the Architecture category which is datable are the
flat, clear glass, window glass fragments. Although dating window glass fragments by
using the modes of thickness in inches was first propositioned by Karl Roenke in, Flat
Glass: Its Use As A Dating Toolfor Nineteenth Century Archaeological Sites in the Pacific
Northwest and Elsewhere (1978), it seems that few other sites (especially out of the
Pacific Northwest), have had similar analyses performed on them. It must also be admitted
that Roenke only attempted to create a dating tool for nineteenth century sites, and his study
only creates datable glass up to ca. 1915. Any glass with thickness modes greater than
.105" can only be attributed to the twentieth century, with no narrowed date ranges
possible as of yet. Roenke concludes his study with the statement that, "It is probably safe
to say that, generally twentieth century window glass is thicker than late nineteenth century
glass, but single-strength glass today can also be purchased in a variety of sizes measuring
1/16(0.063) in. in thickness." (1978: 118). Therefore, it is interesting to use these dating
223
techniques on this site, as the construction date of the structure of 1910, and continual
occupation to the date of recovery of the artifacts yields some interesting results.
As is shown in Table 6, and in Figure 24, the probable dates of manufacture for
most of the window glass recovered from the site seems to be earlier than the 1910
construction date of the structure. The predominance of numbers of glass within the date
range of ca. 1855-1900 seems to indicate that the original 1910 structure had window glass
that had been manufactured well before the structure was constructed. This can possibly be
explained by the fact that window glass was mostly manufactured in Europe and on the
East Coast of the United States in the late-nineteenth century. Roenke states that there were
58 window glass producing plants in the United States in 1880, and that, "Fifty-six were
located east of the Mississippi River and two were located to the west; one in Iowa and the
other in Missouri." (1978: 26). Without a doubt, transporting fragile window glass from
Europe or the East Coast to Oregon would have been an expensive affair in the latenineteenth century, and bulk orders were probably placed to help mitigate these expenses.
Some of these late-nineteenth century bulk window glass orders could have been locally
warehoused for extended periods of time, which leads to the interesting possibility of
having late-nineteenth century window glass used in the construction of a Ca. 1910
structure.
Yet, this is certainly not the only possibility of why and how nineteenth century
window glass ended up in context with a 1910 structure. Other possibilities include: the
recycling of window glass from earlier structures, the presence of a dump on the site before
the construction of the structure, the presence of an earlier structure on the site, or the
possibility that Roenke's data is faulty.
The idea that the window glass was recycled is seemingly more plausible than the
postulation that the glass was warehoused for up to 40 years before its installation. Any
businessman would much rather sell a product quickly and remove it from expensive
storage, thereby paying off the debt of having to place such a bulk order, rather than store it
224
for extended periods of time. Beyond this, recycling of manufacturing materials is always
a preferable, and less expensive option than buying new materials, and the discussion of
the relative expense of window glass certainly lends further credence to this idea.
The possibility of an early dump on the site before the structure was constructed is
dealt with more in the section on conclusions about the deposition processes on the site
below. However, it must be stated that this is a relevant possibility, as at least one oral
history seems to indicate that open lots were tempting targets to dump non-odorous trash in
the late-nineteenth, and early twentieth centuries (Bates, Personal Communication).
Certainly, the numbers of artifacts dated to the late-nineteenth century allows for the
possibility of such a dump, although it would have been a small one, with a
disproportionate number of window glass fragments (see Figure 25).
An even less likely possibility for the presence of the late-nineteenth century
window glass in the site collection, is the possibility of an earlier structure being present on
the site in the late nineteenth century. In short, there are not enough artifacts dating to the
late nineteenth century to support this possibility, and the county tax assessment records do
not record the presence of any improvements to the property until 1910, when the known
structure was constructed on the site. Therefore, it is highly unlikely that an earlier
structure existed on the lot, or that the late-nineteenth century window glass can be
attributed to an association with such a structure.
Finally, there is always the possibility that these window glass fragments do not
date to the late-nineteenth century at all, but are in fact twentieth century glass fragments
which have been incorrectly identified as nineteenth century glass. This could be the result
of Roenke's data being weak, or faulty, especially towards the late-nineteenth and earlytwentieth centuries; or that the fragments were incorrectly measured. As to the former
possibility, there have been few (if any at all), other historic sites which have had their
glass fragments analyzed using Roenke's methods. Until more sites are analyzed using
these methods, there will be no way to show whether or not Roenke's data or conclusions
225
are correct, or incorrect. As to the possibility of this collection's glass being incorrectly
measured, a slim possibility exists, yet every measure was taken to guard against error. All
fragments were measured at least three times, or until the largest thickness measurement
was attained twice (preferably twice in-a-row). In this way, it was hoped to attain the most
accurate measurement of the thickest area of each fragment.
I-{owever one explains these dates, it must be admitted that nearly all structures
suffer broken windows at some point in their history, and this broken window glass is the
result of such episodes. After the noted predominance of late-nineteenth century window
glass, a sharp dip in numbers in the ca. 1900-1915 mode is noted, which is followed by a
slight rise in numbers again after Ca. 1915. This is easily explained by the continual
occupation of the structure since its construction, and by the construction of the additions in
ca. 19 19-1920. The windows with the likeliest odds of having been broken, due to the
simple fact of having been installed in the structure for the longest amount of time, are the
nineteenth century windows which were installed in 1910, which results in the
predominance of nineteenth century glass recovered from the site. The glass installed in the
1920-2 1 addition sequence was probably of ca. 1900-1915 manufacture, while the glass
used to replace any of these earlier windows which may have been broken was probably
manufactured after 1915. The relative similarity in numbers of these two modes seems to
indicate that the addition windows and the replacement windows were suffering a similar
attrition rate.
Conclusions on Artifact Disposal and Deposition
Perhaps the most interesting conclusions which can be drawn from this site involve
the chronology of artifact disposal. One can state that the majority of the artifacts recovered
from this site were probably disposed of soon after their designed functional purpose had
been fulfilled. It is virtually impossible to determine the amount of time any one artifact
may have been curated before disposal, yet it seems that the function of most of the artifacts
226
70
60
50
40
(N)
30
20
10
0
Date
Range of
1835-
1845-
1850-
1855-
1870-
1900-
1845
1855
1865
1885
1900
1915
>1915
M anuf act
ure
Figure 24. Numbers of Window Glass Fragments Within Roenke's Date Range of
Manufacture Modes
indicates a relatively short time between manufacture, purchase, and disposal. Either the
product was used, and its container or remnants were disposed of, or the product was
broken or worn out, and disposed of.
In order to determine the likely date ranges of disposal for these artifacts it was
necessary to determine their function and date ranges of manufacture. The typological
description of the artifacts showed that out of the 1514 artifacts recovered from the site,
1385 were identified as to function, and of these, approximately 306 had determinable date
ranges of manufacture. When all of these dated artifacts are graphed, an interesting pattern
appears. As is illustrated in Figure 25, the numbers of artifacts within each date range
progressively increases from the mid-nineteenth century, 1840-1870(23 artifacts), to the
late nineteenth century, 1870-1900 (105 artifacts), to the early-twentieth century, I 9001930 (138 artifacts). The numbers then take a plummeting fall in the mid-twentieth
227
century, 1930-1960 (only 6 artifacts), followed by a slight rise again in the late-twentieth
century, 1960-1990(34 artifacts).
Since site occupation has been continual since Ca. 1910, this patterning may be
attributable to changing cultural patterns of artifact disposal. The historic records of
garbage disposal in Corvallis seems to support this interpretation. The earliest recorded
trash disposal service in Corvallis appeared in a July 27, 1915 edition of the local
newspaper,
The Daily Gazette Times.
According to the article, entitled, "City Provided
with Dumping Ground," the city police chief, Chief Wells, found an open field on the east
side of the Willamette River where citizens of Corvallis could haul their trash. This
dumping ground is apparently where the current Martin Luther King, Jr., Corvallis City
Park is now. The article goes on to state that, "Parties wanting to cross the river for this
purpose can get the key to the boat from Chief Wells at any time and make their own trips.
This will enable those who make a business of collecting garbage to dispose of it at one
known place, instead of having to cart it around any where and everywhere as has been the
custom." (Daily Gazette Times, July 27, 1915).
This last comment seems to indicate that there were those at this time who
specialized in trash disposal, yet they had no specific dumping ground. The article also
seems to indicate that trash removal by those who make a business of it was very much an
optional service, as the keys to the ferry to cross the river to the dumping point were
available to anybody. So it is apparent that before 1915 at least, there was no established,
regular trash pick-up, or disposal in Corvallis. The current trash disposal company in
Corvallis, Corvallis Disposal Co., was established in ca. 1928 (Corvallis Disposal Co.,
Personal Communication). Even then, however, it is not apparent whether regular, weekly
trash pick-up became available for all inhabitants of Corvallis or not. According to an
employee of the Benton County Public Health Department, a county statute requiring
weekly, house-to-house trash pick-up and disposal was not approved until ca. 1964
(Gordon Brown, Personal Communication).
228
150
100
[+NSamp1e
50
1840-
1870-
1900-
1930-
1960-
1870
1900
1930
1960
1990
Figure 25. Numbers of Artifacts in Known Date Ranges of Manufacture
According to Mr. Benjamin Bates, a 75 year old, life-long resident of Corvallis,
trash was taken during the 1920s-1930s to a, "small organization," along the Willamette
River (Bates, Personal Communication). This organization may be the Corvallis Disposal
Co., which according to Mr. Bates, dumped its trash directly into the Willamette River.
Mr. Bates also states that during this time it was not uncommon for Corvallis residents to
have trash pits on their own property and burn much of their rubbish. He goes on to note
that many open lots were prone to have trash disposed on them, as long as, "it wouldn't be
anything of odorous nature" (ibid.).
This sets the stage for describing the observed patterning of the date ranges of
manufacture for the artifacts as also being the likely date ranges of deposition of the
artifacts. To begin with, the artifacts were excavated by the foundation contractors from
underneath the structure. This indicates that most of the artifacts would have had to have
been deposited before the structure and its additions were constructed. Therefore, artifacts
which were manufactured after ca. 1920 were probably deposited immediately around the
perimeter of the foundation after the structure was complete.
229
In order to support this hypothesis that the date ranges of manufacture on many of
these artifacts can be used to define the date range of deposition of the artifacts, it is
essential to note the numbers of artifacts within each typological category. "Personal
Items" may have been more likely to have been curated longer before disposal than most of
the utilitarian "Domestic Items." Table 8 shows that there is a large preponderance of
Domestic Items within the assemblage. This seems to show relatively short curation
periods between manufacture, use, and disposal for many of the artifacts. The other major
category within the sample is "Architecture," with roughly one-third of the artifact total. As
discussed above, these artifacts may be explained either through waste and disposal of
construction materials during periods of construction, or through breakage and replacement
activities. This makes the period of deposition much harder to understand, which is why
they were dealt with separately.
By combining the information on the areas of excavation by the contractors, with
the date ranges of manufacture of the artifacts, as well as the historic records of trash
disposal in Corvallis, five main periods of artifact deposition on the site appear to be
indicated. The first likely period of deposition is pre-1910, when the site was an open lot.
Mr. Bates indicates that in the 1920s-1930s open lots were tempting targets for dumping
non-odorous rubbish, and it can be assumed that the same can be said of the pre-1910 era.
This period of deposition is apparently represented by the gradual climb in the numbers of
artifacts with date ranges of manufacture within the mid-nineteenth and late-nineteenth
century, as well as into the early-twentieth century. Any of these nineteenth century
artifacts could have been curated, and dumped after 1910 when the structure was
constructed.
The second period of deposition can be tightly dated to 1910, the year the structure
was constructed, and can be directly attributed to the carpenters who constructed the
structure. Many of the architectural artifacts recovered from the site were likely to have
been deposited at this time due to the waste created on construction sites. In addition,
230
Table 8. Site ORBE2 Artifact Typology Distribution
Typological Category of
Artifact
Personal Items
Domestic Items
Architecture
Personal and Domestic
Transportation
Commerce and Industry
Group Services
Unknowns
Totals
N Sample
% of Sample
123
8.12%
46.83%
33.29%
.79%
709
504
12
32
5
1514
2.11%
.33%
8.52%
100%
many personal or domestic artifacts which the carpenters could have used during the
construction process, such as a beer bottle, could have been used and deposited underneath
of the structure, as the construction of the structure would have concealed this trash. In
short, this period of deposition seems to indicate that the carpenters were prone to dispose
of trash directly on their construction site, since it was likely to be covered over by the
structure that they were building anyway.
The third range of deposition can be tentatively dated to Ca. 1910-1925, when the
structure was being actively used as a residence, and when no organized trash pick-up was
available in Corvallis. This time period presented residents of Corvallis with three options
for disposing of their trash: hauling it themselves across the Willamette River, having
certain unknown private enterprises haul the trash away to unknown locations or to the
dump site across the river, or disposing of the trash themselves--on their own property, or
on adjoining empty lots. Since this third range is represented by a majority of the datable
artifacts recovered from the site, and since many of these artifacts represent personal, and
domestic rubbish, it can be assumed that this was the period of major deposition on the lot,
and that this trash deposition was created by John and Clara Heeszel, and Alice S. and S.
F. Williams. Since the Williams' sold the property in 1925, and since the Bauers and
Jacksons did not apparently live in the structure, the artifacts disposed of in this range are
probably most attributable to the Heeszels and the Williams.
231
Two-hundred-sixty-six of the artifacts which were datable to within 30 year ranges
pre-date ca. 19'30, and thus had a possibility of being deposited on the site in this period.
This is approximately 86.9% of the total of artifacts which are datable within 30 year
ranges, and it must be noted that a further 140 artifacts are datable within a 60 year range of
Ca.
1870-1930. It is also necessary to note that 138 of the datable artifacts (45.1% of 30
year period datable artifacts) are datable to Ca. 1900-1930, and are probably most
representative of trash deposition in this period.
This period is also interesting in that the structure was substantially altered by the
Williams' in ca. 1920-1921. The alterations to the structure allow for the possibility of
earlier deposited trash to have been disturbed, and certainly covered by later additions to the
structure. Note that in the Sanborn Fire Insurance Map of 1912, and the ensuing artist's
reconstruction of the early structure, that the back of the house was narrower than the front.
This allowed for dumping of trash around this narrower Northeast portion of the structure,
which would have then been covered over by the later addition. The early North-side entryway apparently had a porch as well, and any space between the porch and the ground
would have been a tempting area to dispose of non-odorous rubbish; which would also
have had the opportunity to have been covered by the later additions to the structure.
Perhaps one of the most tightly dated artifact types in the collection, which also
lends further evidence to the differentiation of deposition periods on the site, are the whole
glass bottles. Interestingly enough, the bottles are all categorized under, "Domestic Items,"
and many of these bottles date to Ca. 1900-1930. They fit the hypothesis of quickly
deposited artifacts as they appear to have had original contents which would have been
used rather quickly, leaving an empty bottle which was easily disposed of soon afterwards.
As is shown in Figure 26, the date ranges of manufacture for these bottles span almost the
entire twentieth century, as well as part of the late-nineteenth century with little
determinable patterning. This is to be expected, since the site has been continually
occupied since 1910. Yet, when the mean date range of manufacture of each of these
232
bottles is plotted on a time line, in temporal order, an interesting pattern does appear (see
Figure 27). Essentially six plateaus, or horizons, appear in Figure 27, although the two
horizons between Ca. 1915-1927 can probably be combined as one, which supports the
third period of deposition dates of ca. 1910-1928.
The fourth and fifth periods of deposition are not as strongly supported by the
bottle dates, but are rather dependent upon the dates of manufacture of all artifacts again.
These last two periods basically correspond to the assigned 30 year periods of the midtwentieth (1930-1960), and late-twentieth century (1960-1990). The fourth period of
deposition, Ca. 1930-1960, is only represented by six datable artifacts, or less than 2% of
datable artifacts. This marked drop is most easily explained by the establishment of the
Corvallis Disposal Co., in 1928. Even if they weren't necessarily picking-up the trash
from residences, it was fairly convenient to at least have a known company who would
dispose of the trash once it was taken to them. In addition to this, the structure became an
apartment from ca. 1925 on, and appearances would have to be kept up to attract new
tenants from year to year. This, in addition to the fact that much of the lot was built over
with the structure after ca. 1920-192 1, which would have limited dumping space on the lot,
all combined to dramatically lessen the amount of garbage dumped on the lot.
The fifth and final period of deposition, Ca. 1960-1990, again has a noted rise in
datable artifacts, up to 34, or approximately 11% of the total of datable artifacts. At first,
this seems to be a contradiction of the established pattern from the fourth period of
deposition. Indeed, house-to-house pick-up of garbage was apparently made mandatory in
ca. 1964, which should have lessened the amount of garbage deposited on the site rather
than increased it. Yet, one must note that this was an incredible age of production of massmerchandised material, which was produced and packaged for convenience of the
customer. The types of artifacts in this date-range speak for themselves: tuna cans, beer
bottles, removable pull-rings from aluminum beverage cans, and aluminum beverage cans
themselves. Items such as the removable pull-rings are notorious for having not been
233
disposed of properly, and were thus recovered from this site, rather than ending up in a
land-fill with the majority of trash in this date range.
Finally, the worsening condition of the structure must be taken into account as well.
For, as Figures 3 and 4 show, the structure is not well kept up by any means, as the
required replacement of the foundation in 1993 attests to. Most of the artifacts in this date
range are from post-1980, and it is this researcher's opinion that with the worsening
condition of the structure becoming much more noticeable after this date, the tenants
became more prone to depositing random items of garbage around the structure, rather than
into a garbage can for proper disposal.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Site ORBE2 is hardly a unique site. There are probably thousands
of similar sites scattered across the world, in urban and rural settings, where improvements
and construction activities disturb associated archaeological materials. Cultural resource
laws do little to protect such sites on private lands, and there is admittedly a continually
shrinking base of funding to create opportunities to study construction disturbed sites. The
only unique factor about this site is the analysis that was performed on it, even though the
artifacts were recovered in a disturbed state.
This thesis was successful in achieving its four main goals listed in the
introduction. To begin with, this thesis added another body of archaeological data based
upon an early-twentieth century Euro-American site. As was stated in the introduction,
relatively few early-twentieth century Euro-American sites have been archaeologically
analyzed, and this thesis adds more needed data, to a period which is sure to be
increasingly studied in the future. In addition, this thesis developed a history of the site,
and its community. This history developed the sequence of occupation of the structure and
the site, as well as providing a better understanding of the boundaries of the early-twentieth
century German community in Corvallis. If this history had not been developed now, then
Figure 26. Datc Ranges of Manufacture of Whole Bottles Recovered from Site ORBE2
2000
0
1 980
1 960
1940
1920
o Starting Date Range
o Ending Date Range
1900
iMean Date Range
1880
1860
1 840
1 820
LO
f
CO
Cx)
C)
cn
CO
0
r
0
t
(0
0
0-
r
-
f
W
r
t
'
0)
0
(0
.o
Cx)
I-
0)
r',j
I
j)
Figure 27. Mean Date Ranges of Whole Bottles Recovered from Site ORBE2
1980
1960
1940
1920
-0-- Mean Date Range of Manufactu
1900
1880
1860
18'0I
I
-
I
I
00
I
I
00
I
O\
I
I
00
'0
fl
00
I
I
-
-
I
I
I,
-'
I
rfl
I
N
I
I
00
I
I
'r
N
I
236
the data obtained through the use of living oral informants may have been lost, as the
informants will eventually pass away. Furthermore, this thesis successfully combined the
results of the history and the analysis of the artifacts from functional and chronological
perspectives, thereby creating cultural contexts. The conclusions derived from all of the
different data sets developed cultural contexts about structural construction material and
their age when utilized, as well as the changing cultural behaviors of trash disposal due to
expanded public disposal services. The cultural contexts on the structural construction
materials show some interesting possibilities of the power of new manufacturing
technologies to influence the choice of items as mundane as nail types, while the use of
window glass thickness dating shows the many possibilities for older construction
materials to be used in new structures. The changing trash disposal behaviors displayed at
the site are perhaps some of the most interesting findings in the analysis, providing a
glimpse at cultural change within a narrow time range, which could lead to further studies
on how and why Euro-American culture changed so rapidly in the early-twentieth century.
Finally, this thesis shows the utility of the act of performing an archaeological analysis on a
construction disturbed site, where artifacts are recovered with provenience limited to a lot
or site association. The proof of the utility of this analysis was shown when cultural
contextual conclusions about the occupants of the site were developed, thereby proceeding
to the final objective of Walter Taylor's(1983: 43) definition of archaeology.
The obvious question which is left from this analysis, is that even if such a
construction disturbed site can yield archaeologically derived conclusions, as was shown
above, should money and effort be put into similar sites? This researcher's only answer
would be, that it would depend upon the site and the situation. This analysis was not
funded, and only occurred in order to complete a thesis to meet the requirements for a
master's degree. If the site had not yielded as many artifacts as it did, the artifacts might
have been merely curated as teaching examples for the university, and might not have been
analyzed. Certainly, if another opportunity to analyze a similar site were to arise, and
237
funding and facilities for analysis and curation were available, then this researcher would
attempt another such analysis. Yet, it seems highly unlikely that a similar situation will be
presented to fellow archaeologists who have the time and funding to attempt another such
analysis.
A number of very specific circumstances occurred for this site to have even been
noticed by somebody with archaeological training, and if this group of contractors is
similar to others, then few contractors are likely to report such finds to archaeologists.
Indeed, these contractors have quite a collection of bottles and curios which they have
discovered under various structures around the Willamette Valley. If these artifacts had not
been recovered by the Department of Anthropology at Oregon State University, then they
would have ended up as hack-fill around another structure's foundation when the
contractors hauled the back-dirt away. Imagine the possibilities of inter-site mixing which
may occur every time artifacts are hauled from one site and used as back-fill for another.
To conclude, it is probably safe to say that not every construction disturbed site
should be analyzed archaeologically, yet it is likely that most construction disturbed sites
could yield valuable archaeological information.
238
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